Can I look in your garage for a bike to ride?

Hey Phat Athletes:

I found this article in the opinion section of the Benicia Patch newspaper.  I thought it was thoughtful, encouraging, and simple to read for beginning cyclist (everyone can be a cyclist!).  Check it out and tell me what you think!  I will have an extra bike soon if someone under 5 feet 4 inches wants to try to ride! 

Best,

PhatAthlete

P.S.  My new bike... Maybe???

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What Kind of Bike Should You Ride?
Search the garage for a bike before you buy a new one.


By Ed Brennan
Benicia Patch, 10/22/10
http://benicia.patch.com/articles/what-kind-of-bike-should-you-ride

This column has focused on encouraging beginning riders to get on their bikes and enjoy the benefits of cycling. Chief among those are the health improvements of aerobic exercise coupled with being outdoors and exploring our environment. With those thoughts in mind let's talk about what it takes to get started.

The first thing required for getting you involved with cycling is your own motivation to get out and do it. Most Americans are way too sedentary to have a healthy lifestyle. Riding a bike is an easy way to break the inertia of standing still and get moving. It is easier on your body than other forms of exercise, since the bike supports your weight and absorbs bumps as you travel.

After motivating yourself you'll need to have a bicycle, naturally. You may have one, or have access to one. I have observed that most American garages contain at least one bicycle, many of them rarely ridden! Your neighbor may have a neglected 1972 Peugeot PX-10 10 speed, or a 1985 Specialized Hardrock mountain bike. Anything that works to get you started is good enough at first.

Once you've done the Benicia State Recreation Area enough times to begin enjoying it, your thoughts may turn to getting your own bike, one that fits you and suits your personality and goals as a bike rider.

There are many kinds of bikes being produced but I'll simplify the process of choosing one that's right for you. There are two basic standard wheel sizes. One for riding on dirt trails and other off-road situations, or mountain bikes, use 26" wheels. For riding on paved roads the wheels are a little larger, known as "700C". So get a mountain bike if you are riding off-road or a mixture of paved, gravel and dirt. If you're planning to be primarily on pavement, go with road wheels. I'm assuming that most people are like me and ride primarily on the road.

The next thing to think about in choosing a bike is what kind of riding you will do. Do you aspire to go with the fast club riders who head out of town on weekend mornings and sprint for the city limit signs? If so, you'll want a light racing bike with 23 millimeter wide tires. Maybe you picture yourself touring the Oregon coast, 50 miles a day between picturesque villages. Touring will require a stouter bike, 32 millimeter wide tires, and bags to hold your gear. Or do you see yourself riding between Benicia, Vallejo, and Martinez as you visit the grocery store and farmer's markets? If this is your bag, you'll want a bike that gives you a more upright position, wider tires, and racks and bags to carry cargo.

Any of these choices, or variations of them, are valid and will lead to increased fitness and better health if pursued consistently. Once you overcome the inertia of standing still, the fun of riding a bike will make you want to keep going.

An Article I want to share...

So... now that I am all into this athlete thing... I get lots of great articles and information in my inbox.  Well, I am gonna share them with you!  See below on great seasonal foods to eat and why!  Also, cheer me on on Sunday, I am going to try and walk Nike Women's Marathon!

Best,

Phat Athlete

You can get me on Twitter @PhatAthlete2010

P.S.  I took out the links and the photos from this article.  You can get the article at
http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/5-Fruits-and-Veggies-to-Eat-This-Fall.htm?cmp=306&memberid=110897261&lyrisid=21052688
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5 Fruits and Veggies to Eat This Fall


By Chris Griffy

Dieting doesn't have to be about flavorless foods and high prices. In fact, those who are most successful with their diets are the ones who skip the pricey and preservative-laden foods in the grocery store's diet aisle and head down to their local farmer's market. Getting your seasonal, locally grown fruits and vegetables from a local farmer not only ensures that you get your food at the peak of flavor and freshness, but also helps support your local economy and the environment by reducing trucking pollution.

In this part of our ongoing series, we will look at the items that you will find in your local farmer's market in the early fall. It is a huge transition for farms as the summer fruits and vegetables are at the end of their seasons, while the fall produce is just coming into season.

Here are some of the healthiest fruits and vegetables available, along with links to some healthy recipes using the produce.

Artichokes

The artichoke ends its brief harvest season in September, so it's the last chance to get them while they're fresh. Health-wise, artichokes are very nutrient dense. One medium artichoke runs a mere 60 calories and 13 carbohydrates. For that cost, you get 6 grams of fiber, more than 15 percent of your daily requirement of Vitamin C and Folate, and a good dose of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorous. Artichokes have been shown to lower blood sugar in diabetics and is a diuretic, promoting healthy bladder.


Beets

Beets have two seasons in and the second half of September begins the second one. Beets are one of the most delicious and versatile vegetables available. They can be prepared in a number of ways--from pickling to boiling--and complement virtually any entree. Beets are also a nutritional giant. A whole beet is a measly 35 calories and brings a whole wealth of nutrients to the table including Vitamin C, iron, and beta carotene.


Collard Greens

Very few vegetables scream southern cooking like collard greens. They have long been one of the staples of the southern table, and for good reason. In addition to being delicious, they are a leafy green. This means they're extremely low in calories and extremely high in nutrients. A cup of cooked collards has just 49 calories. For those calories, you get the nutritional benefits of 5 grams of fiber, more than 300 percent of your daily value of Vitamin A, and high doses of thiamin, potassium and riboflavin. Indulge your Southern self and serve up some collards at your next meal.

Carrots

As beautiful as they are delicious, these orange vegetables are one of the most well-known superfoods. As every child knows from the old joke, carrots are good for your eyes because you've never seen a rabbit with glasses. Carrots are also an extremely versatile recipe, working equally well in soups, stir fry, sautees, and even raw. One large carrot has approximately 30 calories and loads of Vitamin A, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, and Niacin. Carrots help fight heart disease, promote colon and lung health, and help protect your vision.

Sweet Potatoes

One of the tastiest and most beautifully colored vegetables available in the fall is the sweet potato. While most Southerners mash them and top them with unhealthy marshmallows, ruining the nutrition, sweet potatoes are already sweet enough to need very little, if any, additional sweetening. A whole medium sweet potato is 130 calories and packs more than 200 percent of the daily value of Vitamin A, a high value of Vitamin C, and powerful antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.


Nashville Weight Loss Examiner Chris Giffy can be reached at cgriffy@vallnet.com or follow him on Twitter at @gryphonkin.

"There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time." Malcolm X

Wow!  I am a two-time Triathlete this year.  I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!  Can you ? 

Sorry I haven't written in a while.  I have been extremely busy with work and life.  I thought about it, often, but when I sat down at the computer, I had other pressing things to do.  Well, I AM BACK!  Did you miss me?  The Phat Athlete is in the house!  Hee hee.

So, last you knew of me, I was recovering from the Pacific Grove Triathlon (can't believe I am saying this) and getting ready for the See Jane Run Women's Triathlon.  Well, I did that one too! (can't believe I am saying this, again!)  It was a little more difficult than the Pacific Grove Triathlon.  Well despite the poor planning, lack of organization, late start, difficult transition area, and HOT WEATHER, I finished.  DFL!  Yes I did friends, I finished Dead Freaken Last!  But I was determine to not cut the course short like a lot of participants did. 

So I know you want to hear about my experiences.  Well, I cramped as soon as I got in the water.  My legs were mad at me for walking so much and probably not stretching well enough before swimming.  When I was getting out of the water, I was so dizzy I almost fell over.  I managed to stay upright though and make that long trek on concrete and slippery mud (thank goodness for my little water shoes) to my transition area.  I did better in transition this time.  Only 10 minutes. :)  Yay!  Still long, but dang it, I was dizzy.  I had to close my eyes for a moment; no I did not take a nap!

I transitioned to my bike and got to the road.  I felt like I was one of the last people on the road.  I started pedaling and lo and behold, THAT CRAMP CAME BACK!  All I could do was drink, drink, drink and take some tums (I forgot my banana in the car...).  I was a mile out and had to stop until the cramp went away.  After the cramp subsided, I carefully continued on the route.  I wasn't gonna stop because of no STINKEN CRAMP!  The route sucked to me.  Too many cars; we rode down a street on the wrong side of the road; the Police being mean and stopping us; and it was getting hotter and hotter.  I wish sometimes I was a faster biker.  It was a flat course except one small hill.  Well, it was at that hill that the heat got to me and instead of my knee cramping up, MY WHOLE LEG cramped up.  OOOUUUCCCCHHHH!  I had to walk up the last 100 feet because I could not take it any more.  As I was walking, SAG came by to see if I was ok.  I told him I was cramping and he offered me a solution.  He gave me some electrolyte or sodium pills (I would not have took them but I was desperate and they were in a sealed package) to help me out.  I took them, drank some fluids and got back on my bike and headed back at about 17 miles an hour.  The cramp went away and I got to my transition area feeling good.  I took my shoes off and felt weird.  I thought I was sick but realized I was just HOT!  It was about 83 degrees in Pleasanton at 1045 AM!  GRRR and I still had 3 miles to jog.  So, I poured water on my head and sucked it up and headed out on my jog.  Little did I know it was mostly unshaded.  OMG!  Now I know why many of the participants took it short.  Well, I am no punk.  Maybe short, fat, and silly, but I am definitely not gonna punk out because of heat!  So I started my walk and about a half mile in I started throwing up... EVERY 15 steps... So I stopped jogging and walked only.  I was still throwing up my favorite work out food... Cliff Bars (yuck.. sorry)... and there was nothing I could do.  I drank lots of water, ate GU, and walked in that ridiculous heat.  I met a lady at the water stop who walked with me.  I forget her name but she was an Awesome support person.  She kept reminding me to breathe and taught me some techniques that I did not know (I need to take YOGA).  She walked with me for about 2 mile.  That was the longest two miles of my life.  I was so tired, it was so hot, I was so thirsty, but I kept walking.  Yes I did... I walked.

Finally we got close to the end and picked up another person from the last water stop who walked with us.  These two ladies were so wonderful.  Sara says I always meet friends when I go out.  She is right... I do!  I think people can't believe I am out there doing what I am doing and they want to be in my positive glory... Ok... I am feeling myself right now.  But really, I think at a Phat Athlete, people can't believe I am trying as hard as they are and feel empathy or excitement to see me trying.  I am glad people recognize that.  I can't lose this weight sitting on my butt watching TV right?  I hope I can be inspiration to others to think that way.  It is not about when you finish, it is more important that you finish.  And in 85 degree heat, I finished.

I rounded the shoot about 1210pm.  I was exhausted.  It usually takes me about 45 to 55 mins to walk three miles.  This took 1 hour and 30 minutes.  I was a little defeated in my mind because I knew I could do better.  But then I reminded myself about how horrible the weather was, what our training weather was like and that this was my first time trying something like this.  I reminded myself (in my mind of course) that I am just here to finish and not to race anyone but myself.  Well when I got to the finish line, I was the winner!

Big thanks and KUDOS to Sara for waiting for me.  She is such an awesome inspiration.  I am going to catch her one day, not tomorrow, but in a year or two at one of these events and show her how much of an inspiration she really is.  I was greeted by the See Jane Run Staff who actually waited for me with Sara!  They presented me with my medal, a pretty RED Cape, and some beautiful flowers that I have since killed. (Darn heat!)  As excited as I was about this wonderful reception, I was so exhausted!  I was the last person on the route.  It was about 88 degrees now and all I could smell was carne asada cooking on the grill.  After photos, water, and salty things, Sara (my Girl! THANKS!) and I grabbed my stuff and thew it in my truck and I headed out.  I could not believe I finished this event.  I was so beat and tired that I could not eat for 4 hours.  I went to another event in Vallejo and discovered it was 100 degrees outside.  All I could do was drink water.  I finally went home, ate some food and slept for 12 hours.  I wasn't as tired from the Pacific Grove Tri as I was from the Pleasanton Tri.  I guess the weather really made a difference.  I was dehydrated for more than 18 hours.  I thought I was hydrated but I guess not.  Now I know what do next time we expect a heat wave!

So, now I am training for the Scottsdale Marathon.  I am going to pass on Nike because my knee is just now getting back in shape and I need not stress it.  I am looking forward to walking with my Mom in Arizona.  I am looking forward to completing my fourth event this year!  Can you believe it?  Oh, and by the way, I am down 30 pounds.  Isn't that GREAT?

I hope to see you out there with me soon moving and shaking both literally and figuratively.  Nothing beats a failure but a TRY.

Have a GREAT day friends!  Don't forget to TRI something new today!

Best,

Phat Athlete

"Triathlon: The pain is temporary; the PRIDE is FOREVER!" (Thanks Sara!)

I DID IT!  Yes friends... I completed my TRIATHLON!  And I did not finish last!  Woo HOO!  What a journey.  This has been a tough one.  But I did it and I struggled and I did it.  Ok... enough with the babbling, lets get to the MEAT!

Well, I know it had been a while since I posted to the blog but I was busy preparing mentally, physically, and spiritually for the Pacific Grove event.  Now, for those of you who do triathlons like they are everyday business, this simple sprint tri may be as simple as peeling an orange to you.  But for me, a PHAT Athlete, this took more than training physically, I had to be their mentally too.

About two week prior to the triathlon, I woke up on a Saturday (of course a training day) with knee pain.  Not just an ache, but pain, swelling, and popping.  Not good!  I was at a training the day before and I think I did a little too much up and down and moved something that I should have not. But was I gonna quit?  NO, of course NOT!  I got my self up, gathered my thing and went to practice at Aquatic Park.  I put on my wetsuit and jumped in the water and got my swim on.  The water was choppy but the weather was beautiful so motion sickness was at hand.  But... I fought through it.  Motion sickness and a jacked up knee wasn't gonna stop me.

Me knee hurt for the last two practices and jog/walking was not on the menu!  I did however swim and enjoyed the feel of being in the ocean finally without fear and resistance.  I just decided in my mind that I was gonna do it and get over my nerves, and I DID!  Oh by the way, I discovered what my nerves were about... I COULD NOT SEE!  I hate my contacts so I purchased a pair of prescription goggles from Site for Sport Eyes (http://www.sporteyes.com/).  A few dollars spent and I can see almost perfectly... well enough to see faces, fish, and buoy's!  Hee hee.  If I had known earlier that I could get prescription goggles, I would have invested earlier.  I am so glad I did it.  It made Pacific Grove Triathlon that much nicer!

So, we arrived in Pacific Grove on September 10th and the Coaches wanted those of us who had never done the tri to get in the water and experience the kelp crawl before the event.  OH MY GOODNESS!  On top of the water, the area looks nasty and creepy, but in the water (especially with my prescription goggles), the water was clear and beautiful and you could see the kelp and the sea life.  Though the water was very cold at first (I cramped as soon as I got in), out where the kelp was thickest, the water was warm and clear.  Now, they call this event the KELP CRAWL and really, it was a crawl.  On Friday, the kelp was very thick and you literally had to crawl over it to get to where you were going.  It was a really awesome experience!  One I will not forget!  After swimming on Friday, I was STUPID EXCITED and really jazzed about the event on Sunday.

I arrived back at my hotel and discovered that my knee was still a bit sore, but I iced it and thought it would be ok on Sunday.  Well, I was wrong!

On Saturday, we got to the event to cheer on the Olympic Distant teammates (most everyone except me, Michelle, and Coach Jer).  Everyone looked so strong, excited, and determined.  I did not catch the swim because we had to park so far away, but I did catch the bike and runs.  I was so proud to be apart of something so amazing!  As we cheered each teammate (Hey Nick!), checked out the really sexy male triathletes (sorry... couldn't help myself), and walked, I discovered that the cramp I had the day before was getting worse.  My knee was acting up and I just could not take it.  I found a chiropractor who did something to my hamstrings that I have never experienced before.  He found all of the kinks that were bothering me and several more I did not know about.  He worked them out as I sang, hollered, hummed, and moaned.  But he made what was turning into a bad situation, into a good situation.  After my massage, I took his advise to go to the hotel, drink lots of water, and rest up for the next day.  I also purchased a hot/cold wrap that I put in the microwave that relaxed the muscles in my knees and relieved some of the inflammation.  I also iced my knee, took a Tylenol, had a sip of wine with my dinner (Thanks SISTERS: Paula and Tracy: for the GREAT dinner), and went to bed to prepare for Sunday morning.

Sunday morning, MY KNEE FELT better.  Yes is did!  I was so happy.  I got my things together, pulled my self together, taking care of my fragile knee, and headed out to the start (Thanks Marsha for your help).  I got to my transition area, got myself set up, got my body markings, put on my Teletubby Suit, swim cap, nose and ear plugs, and of course my new prescription goggles, and headed with Michelle and Coach Jer to the beach.  WHAT A GREAT DAY!  I had a great swim... I think.  17:00 mins.  From the time I walked (not ran) across the mats to the time I walked (not ran) across the mats leading to the transition area.  GREAT JOB VEE... I kept telling myself as I rinsed my mouth and headed to my transition area.

Once at my area, I took my wetsuit off, put on my cycle jersey and shirt, put on my cycle shoes and socks, grabbed my helmet and sunglasses (yes prescription), and headed out to the bike out area.  People were cheering me on.  I was so excited!  I pushed off and headed down the road for my 12 mile ride.  I was doing great until...MY KNEE LOCKED UP!  OUCH!  Of course I was mad, in pain, and frustrated.  I calmed myself down and unclipped my shoe and started to pedal with my right leg only until I could get the knot out of my knee.  Oh, did that slow me down.  But I just kept pushing on... I was not going to stop.  I slowed down (I was actually at a 12 mile pace and slowed down to a 10 mile pace) and dropped into easier gears because I could not risk my knee acting up again.  I started to eat and drink on the ride to put some food and potassium and salt into my body to stop the cramping.  It started to work about a mile down the road and I started singing to keep my spirits up because I was in pain.  "Strength, Courage, and Wisdom..." by India Arie.  I sing this during my swim and during my rides.  Sometime, I sing "Motivation" by TI, but I don't know all of the words (figures).  But India was what I needed to finish the first lap and head back into my second lap.  By the time I started my second lap, most of the people were off the course and it felt at times that I was by myself.  But I wasn't!  I had the ocean and the beautiful views that GOD made with me.  And I got to see Jessie and Abel at the turn around (on the hill of course) while they took photos of me.  I felt so good after the cramp went away but my knee started to get stiff... the cold air was affecting it now.

I finished my lap and headed into the transition zone for my last change.  Into my running shoes I go.  I also put on a Jacket, my TNT Singlet, and my running cap (to keep my head warm) as I headed out (I had on Hella Clothes).  WHOA NELLY!  My knee told me I had to walk it out!  So I walked out and caught up to my coach who had some choice words for me to keep going.  I did.  I jogged some, I walked some, I jogged some, I walked some... but my knee was not going to make it possible to go any faster than I did.  So, I did my first lap and saw my 1st cycle coach at the turn around (Mel with Vivian).  She and Vivian were talking photos... the trees were pretty in the background I heard.  Mel is a good photographer.  I look forward to the photos.

After my second lap, I headed back.  The last .5 mile.  Mel offered me a cinnamon roll on the way back (no icing... my favorite).  Yes... good FOOD!  As I walked back, I could see the end.  I talked to people who were inspired by my fight and were going to get off their duff and train for next year.  I met TNT coaches who just pushed me further with encouraging words and compliments.  I saw the people at the Hotel on the corner having breakfast watching me come in, and then I saw my Sisters, my BFF, and my TEAM.  All cheering me on.  My Coach, my assistant coach, and my co-mentor all came and ran the last few meters with me.  My sisters were cheering on the side with my BFF Marsha! And the rest of the team was cheering me on.  I wanted to cry, but I couldn't get the tears out!  I was so happy!  We had a great celebration!  WOO HOO!  And, I got a cool medal!  I finished in 2:45:07.... My goal was 3:00:00 or less!  WOO HOO!

Well, as I think back, I ask myself, would I do it again.  HELL YES!  To physically accomplish something so great to someone who usually would not do something like this is amazing.  I am now gonna commit to swimming 2 to 3 times a week along with my marathon training.  I will still cycle with the Vallejo Breakfast Cycle Club to keep working on my cadence and my hill climbing abilities.

So now, I am considering signing up for the See Jane Run Marathon on September 25th.  I am taking care of my knee to ensure that I have ability to participate.  I will make my decision tomorrow to sign up based on my the progress of my knee.  I will also be doing the Nike Women's Marathon on October 17th in San Francisco with the Homies and the Runner's Woman's Marathon on November 7th in Scottsdale with my Mom, My Aunt, and several of their friends and other family. 

If nothing else, I have committed myself to keeping active and getting into a smaller shape versus getting in shape!  I want to do the Olympic Distance next year but I have loose more weight.  I am committed to do it and I hope you will join me.  BTW, 21 pounds down, 31 inches lost.  So FAR!

Sara, my Mentee, gave me a sticker that says "Triathlon:  the pain is temporary; the PRIDE is FOREVER!"  This is so true with everything in life.  If you can push through the pain, you will achieve the accomplishments of a Champion!  And no one can take your PRIDE from you.  I am gonna keep pushing... keep reading my posts... you will see.

On to a taper swim!  (Medal Photo to come)

Smooches.

Phat Athlete

“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.” Walter Elliott

Hi Friends:

I DID IT!  Yes... I completed my practice triathlon!  WOOOO HOOOO!  No injuries, at my own pace, and feeling good feeling GREAT afterwards.  (See Photo)

It was not easy.  As most of you know I pulled a muscle in my chest (still weird to me) and I was concerned that I was not going to be ready for the practice try.  I went to track training last week and then I did some swimming to get my muscles used to the motion.  Well, at this point, in my mind, I was ready.  But I still had some anxiety.  DON'T ASK ME WHY!  I really don't know why.  I guess the excitement of doing something that I have never done, in a 2 feet x 4 foot transition space, and not know how long it was going to take me gave me a little stress.  Needless to say, I could not sleep Thursday or Friday night just thinking about the swim.  I was not too concerned about the bike or the run/walk, but the swim was my vice as a .25 miles seems like 100 miles to me.  Don't ask why... It just does.

Well Saturday morning I got up at 5:15 am and got my clothes on.  Everything was packed the night before.  All I had to do was throw my stuff in the car and put my bike and bike rack on the car.  I also remembered I needed to get gas for my car so that little stress did not help.  We met at the Starbucks and I got some food and tea.  My teammate Michelle and I loaded up my car and headed to Santa Rosa.  (I really forgot how far but close it is)  We were both very nervous so we put The Roots on the iPod and rocked out to the lake.  It made us feel better.  Well, when we arrived, I saw the place where we were going to swim and was AYE OKAY!  It was a swimming hole, very different and calmer than the ocean, but it was .25 miles around.

Everything was set up for us.  We had to set up our area like a REAL TRIATHLON!  Small space, bikes on racks, clothes, shoes, stuff for later everywhere.  There was Goose Poop everywhere too.  I think the poop is still on the bottom of my pants even after wash.  After checking in, getting our race packets, numbers (I was 67... 6+7= 13... my lucky number???), putting on our wetsuits and swim gear, we were ready to go at 835... AM that is.  We jump in the water and  I expected it to be as cold as it was outside but when we got in the water to test it out, it was exceptionally warm.  Well once we got wet and used to the water we got out and the whistle was blown.  OFF WE GO!!!!!!!!!!  I jumped in the water and just could not get myself together.  My NERVES had taken over.  Finally, I found a spot so stand and just shake myself together.  Finally, after about 5 second, I said GO and jumped in and swam the rest of the lake.  I swam slow, but dang it, I did it!  When I got to the end, I got out of the water and headed to my transition area and took off my wetsuit, put on my bike shirt, my race shirt, glasses, a jacket, socks, bike shoes, my backpack and my helmet and off I went on a 10 mile ride.  I was a little slow on the out (7 to 9 mph) but fast coming back (14 to 17 mph).  I was surprised about how strong I was on the bike and I was not putting forth a lot of effort because I knew I still had a run to complete.  I did my two laps and on the way back, just before the big hill, I got a killer cramp in my calf.  I think it was because of how cold it was and because I did not eat much, but nonetheless, that hurt.  I walked up most of the big hill (about 1.5 blocks) to work the cramp out and then I pedaled back to my transition area to start my run/walk.

Well, the run/walk turned into a walk/run.  My calf hurt.  Finally, after walking about a half mile, I found my shot blocks with the sodium and potassium, ate those, and kept on moving.  I walked most of my 2.3 miles, but dang it, I did it.  I am so excited how well I did.

I am not sure how long it took, but I know it was less than 3 hours.  For the Pac Grove race, I am going to give myself 3 hours to complete it.  I will pace myself and go at my own pace.  I can do it.  I know I can.  I just have to find a way to combat my nerves.

Doing a triathlon takes a lot of perseverance.  You are really doing several short races, one after another after another.  This takes great training, but it also takes a healthy mind and a health spirit.  You have to have some fight in you.  My race is not a long one, but really, as Phat as I am, who would think I could do something like this?  Well, something in my heart has told me I could and I am not going to stop.  My goal is to one day complete a 1/2 IronMan Tri.  I want to do it before I turn 40!  You know that is a long time from now but I am pacing myself, getting myself in shape and keeping my mind and spirit in a place to achieve that goal.  I can do it, and you can too, if you look it as several small successes versus going out there one time and achieve One Big Success!

I will take a photo of my medal later and put it up with my next post.  Well, back to Aquatic Park this weekend!  Burrrr, just thinking about it.  Thank GOD for the SUPERSUIT!

Don't just stand there.... BUST A MOVE!

Best,

Phat Athlete

"Thanks Swimmer Biker Walker Texas Ranger!"- Jen "Mojito" Mojica

Hahaha.  This was the text from a message I received this week after helping a friend with something.  It kind of stuck with me as inspiration this week as I struggled with a little setback.  Walker Texas Ranger was the BEST!  You could get in a punch but you could never defeat him!  That is how I felt about my self this week as I had to deal with a minor injury.

I think (yes I think...) that sometimes we forget to listen to our bodies when we are striving for perfection or striving to reach something that seems out of our reach.  Well this week, I finally had my first real injury of the season.  You might think it should have been a sore ankle, strained leg muscle, knee problems, or another fall of the bike (stop laughing).  But it was the strangest injury, a strained chest muscle. (http://www.ehow.com/about_5073567_symptoms-strained-pectoral-muscle.html)

Oh the pain I had!  I don't know how I did this or how it got so bad, but I went for a swim on Monday, washed my hair, and braided my hair.  I think somewhere between getting out of the wetsuit and braiding my hair, I messed something up!  Again I repeat... OH THE PAIN!  I am on training restriction until the 17th!  (Grrrrr!  In George Lopez's voice... "Maaaannnn...I can't do nothing!")

Muscle strains are not joke.  Seeking proper treatment is important.  As much as I wanted to fight the pain and fact that I was actually hurt, my body stopped my mind from doing any kind of major activity this week (including excessive driving).  I think I said this before, but LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!  It is usually telling you the right thing.  After lots of ice, heat, and pain medication, I an feeling better and ready to jump in the water to finish mastering swimming on top of water in my Supersuit!

While resting, I learned how to workout in other ways.  I worked my mind by reading up on proper training and preventing injury, I worked my body by feeding it what it needed to repair itself (lots of protein) and by doing other low impact exercises like leg lifts and some core exercises to strengthen my core, and I worked out my patience by watch quite a few movies, documentaries, and catching up on my Summer TV Series (Drop Dead Diva and HawthoRNe).  Because I was so used to moving and going and training for the last two months, actually slowing down a bit was good for me.  Very good!

While resting, I realized... I have a long season ahead of me.  After I complete the Triathlon in Pacific Grove, I will be training for the Nike Women's Half Marathon ( http://inside.nike.com/blogs/nikerunning_events-en_US/?tags=nike_womens_marathon_2010) and the Women's Running Magazine Women's Half Marathon (http://www.womenshalfmarathon.com/scottsdale-tempe/), and last the annual Solano County Turkey Trot (http://www.solanoturkeytrot.org/)!  This is gonna be a long season and I have a long way to go... injury is not an option... REST when I need it is!

So, if I haven't seen you at practice or out on the street, I want to let you know... I'm BACK!  Back to training in the morning and a light swim tomorrow evening.  I know you missed the PHAT Athlete:  A Super Swimmer Bike Walker Texas Ranger! (Thanks Jen)

Ok all... Let's Keep It MOVING!  Today is gonna be the day!

PHAT Athlete!

“You can’t fly a kite unless you go against the wind and have a weight to keep it from turning a somersault. The same with man. No man will succeed unless he is ready to face and overcome difficulties and is prepared to assume responsibilities.” William J.H. Boetcker

Arrrrggg!  The Supersuit! Also know as the Teletubby suit!  Hee hee.  I have found my difficulty!

Hey all.  It has been a few days.  Last week was crazy busy with trips and work, training and being a volunteer.  I had a lot going on and did not get to bed before 12 Midnight any night last week except for Friday. 

So I know you wanna know what is going on with my training... Well, here you go!  Last week, Tuesday, when I postponed my trip to LA, I decided I was going to be Superwoman and do a mini tri at 24 Hour.  Hahaha... I crack me up!  So I got on the bike and was so uncomfortable (there is something to be desired about gym bikes versus your own) that I could not get through a 5 mile ride.  So I moved to the treadmill... yes, I busted out 2 miles.  Now, I was with my friend who next to me look 10 feet 12 inches.  I was jogging at the pace she was walking.  Oh well, I will just have to move and train faster if I am going to keep up with her at Nike Marathon!  After the jog, I thought I was going to have a peaceful swim in the pool to only be greeted by "RED SPEEDO MAN" and "Octopus Man."  Well Red Speedo thinks he owns the pool at 24 Hour gym.  He comes in in his red speedo and stands over the pool doing jumping jacks, side bends, squats, and various other exercises that can be deemed offensive when you are swimming and come out of the water to the... RED SPEEDO!  YUCK!  I know I irritate Red Speedo because he tries to move me out of my lane and I just bump into him.  Hee hee.  And then Octopus Man... So, I have never been in the pool and been hit by someone swimming in a totally different lane.  The Man smacked the stuff out of my leg and almost pulled me under.  I know it was an accident but jeesh!  Whose arms are that long?  I had to get out of pool after 40 mins after being hit like that!

So, Wednesday I missed Track Practice.  (Hey Marathon Team!)  I was on a day trip to LA.  I was so tired when I got back that I slept half of Thursday away.  I did a little walking but nothing major... I said it was a tough week.  Well Friday, I got the Teletubby suit BACK!  Yay!  It was cut back a lot.  I tried it on and could hardly breathe after getting it on.  My 10 foot 12 inch friend was there to watch me try it on.  Oh did we laugh.

Then Saturday came.  I was not feeling good on Saturday.  I started sneezing and I had leg cramps.  But I got in the water anyway.  BOY!  DID I FREAK OUT!  Don't ask me why, but I freaked out.  Being in the wetsuit just did not seem normal to me.  As I dived in to swim, I had a mini attack.  No, I did not think I was gonna drown (that suit will not let you) but I just could not get my mojo to get past the difficulty of wearing the suit!  I did however do my BEST to get used to it and I swam on half length down and back a little closer to the shoreline than I would like.  I had a fight with the water the whole swim.  So bad that I got out of the water and want to give up.  My Coaches were reassuring but that was not enough for me.  I wanted to overcome the difficulty of this suit and get my swim on!

I then changed into my running shoes and started on my jog/walk.  I am so impressed with my progress.  I job/walked 3.6 miles at 3/1 intervals (3 mins jog/ 1 min walk)  I was able to complete all but 3 intervals, of course they were both up the hills.  My jogging is getting better and my knees are not hurting.  I was jogging and watching the thin, fast runners pass me by.  I thought to myself that it would be nice to run with that level of ease.  But if I could run with that level of ease, I wouldn't run!  So, my challenge is to get there.  Right now, I feel good about my slow jog... I just need to work on my swim in that suit.  Hmmmmm, can I swim naked?  Kidding!

As much as I would like this Triathlon training to be a cakewalk for me, it is not.  Every week I have a new obstacle to navigate and somehow I always win.  Again, I can only win when I try.  This week, the lesson of not comparing yourself to others really sunk in.  I am AMAZING despite how slow or fast or if I come in first or last!  I ROCK HARD... Like the GRAND CANYON!

P.S.  YOU ROCK HARD TOO!  I am going to overcome this wetsuit this week.  What are you going to overcome this week?

Loving you!
Phat Athlete!  :)