Triathlon for the Every Woman

Triathlon for the every woman Meredith Atwood

Tonight’s reading – three quarters of the way through Triathlon for the Every Woman by (Swim Bike Mom) Meredith Atwood. She says it, and I’ll say it – YOU can be a triathlete. Yes. You.

Two years I bought my first bike in over a decade and a half, and signed up for a triathlon on a whim. The race itself wasn’t too pretty, but I spent the entire time smiling. I was hooked. Since then I’ve completed a few more sprints, taken a triathlon course at the YMCA, ran a whole lot of running races, and am gearing up for my first 70.3 this spring. Not only do I get to learn about one sport, but I get to learn new things about three, and consistently push myself to places I’ve not been before.

A few small (okay, sort of major things I need to work on this winter)

  • bike maintenance (I still can’t adequately change a tire – even though I used to know how to do this)
  • new tires – I currently have knobby tires on my cross bike (Bianchi Volpe), which I plan on racing with because it’s generally light enough – but 56 miles means that I really need to get a pair of smooth tires on her!
  • nutrition – 6-8 hours of physical activity requires smart fueling. I’d like to focus on real food sources as best that I can, but I know I’ll likely need some liquid nutrition. More research (and recipe testing!) to come
  • clipless pedals – no excuses, I’ve just been lazy about this.

This list is only going to get longer as I start thinking more about it.

DropZone

Today it’s Veterans Day in the United States, and I’ve been thinking a lot about those who have served, and are currently serving in our military. If you have served, or are a military family member: thank you for your service! It is a selfless act that keeps us all safe at home, and it does not go unnoticed.

My friend Courtney is former Army Engineer Captain, Combat Veteran and Bronze Star Medal Recipient who served in Afghanistan. She’s also an incredible entrepreneur, owns multiple businesses, is a kick-ass personal trainer, and is the founder of DropZone – Veteran’s Resources Vetted by Vets. Please watch her story here!

If you can contribute – even $5 will help make DropZone – Veteran’s Resources Vetted by Vets – a reality. Here’s the link to her Indiegogo campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dropzone-veteran-s-resources-vetted-by-vets#/

The things I’m thankful for: in 4 minutes

Nigella Lawson Minty Pea and Broccoli Soup

One of the assignments I wrote for my fall wellness program was to go to sleep early – whatever that means to you – and I’m intent on sticking with it! So I have four minutes to post a few things that I’m thankful for tonight.

  1. The new Nigella Lawson new cookbook – Simply Nigella. I made a lovely pea and broccoli soup tonight straight out of the cookbook. It had just a handful of ingredients – water, mint, garlic, peas, and broccoli, and tasted bright and virtuous.
  2. Extended cuddle time with the pup. He’s such a joy to have around.
  3. I’ve started using my Lowel Ego photography light as a makeshift light therapy box. Even just having it on through dinner made such a difference! I don’t want to burn out the bulbs, but I’ll definitely be using it more often to pep myself up on grey days.
  4. Dark chocolate covered orange peels from Istanbul. I only have a handful of these perfect treats left, and I’ve been rationing them wisely.
  5. Fun reading. I’ve really been enjoying the new Salander novel.

Inside Out

Inside Out Pixar

We watched Inside Out after dinner tonight. We actually spent the $5.99 to rent it on our cable box, and it was worth it.

You guys. This movie. ALL OF THE FEELS.

If you watch this, which you should, go ahead and get a box of tissues. I was waterworks all over the place. Thank you, Pixar, for still bringing wonder, imagination, and complex emotion to the big screen.

Counting Sheep

Counting Sheep

No time for deep thoughts – I just finished a short meditation session, and my body is telling me that it’s time to hit the hay. In bed before 10:30 pm? Yes, please!