Tri-ed : a Fitness Goal

Swim, bike, run. It didn't sound that complicated. In fact, those were three of my favorite things to do. What I didn't like to do was lay down all day, trying to prevent my baby from being born too early.

I spent a lot of time researching triathlons while I was on bed rest. I dreamed of swimming across the lake, speeding down the road on the bike and flying through the run. It was always so fluid, so easy in my imagination. I knew it was meant to be, that once I could, I would compete in a triathlon.

After 15 long weeks of laying around, going to the hospital and doctor and gaining weight endlessly, my beautiful son was born. It was not an easy labor, my epidural failed, my son was in distress and we both ended up hospitalized for three days. I realized that I could do anything I set my mind to during those times.

My body was mine again, and I decided I would put it to use. I started swimming and running at first. I could barely swim a lap, and I could only run about half a mile. I was about 75 pounds overweight. After a particularly hard and discouraging run, I decided to motivate myself. I signed up for a triathlon. I had under four months to prepare.

I happened upon a great deal on a bike, and began riding. I had to get used to clip pedals, which wasn't easy. I wiped out quite a few times, resulting in some really cool battle wounds, with very embarassing stories behind them. I continued running and swimming.

By the time I stepped on a scale, it had been three months since I had my son. I went from 200 pounds two weeks after I gave birth to 165. I was impressed. I was also up to running three miles, swimming half a mile and biking 20. I felt great.

Working out became my release. With an infant and a barely-toddler at home (my children are only 16 months apart) it was the only time I had to myself. I belonged to them every other second of my day - but the moment I began my workout, I was free. It helped me be a better mom whle I was there, and gave me time to think. I relished even my hardest workouts, because the stress seemed to melt away. Life made sense again.

By race day, I was down to 148. I was ecstatic. I can't say I won any awards, but I will tell you I finished, and I wasn't last. It definitely was not the fluid, easy picture from my imagination - in fact, my race was downright ugly at times! But, in the end, I crossed the line with my arms up, because I had won - I did what I set out to do.

After the race, I continued my training. I lost another 20 pounds, and got to my 'perfect' weight. I plan on beating my time in my next triathlon, and know that I will compete in enough to accomplish my goal.

Weight loss and fitness come easy when you find your passion. Do something you love, and everything else falls into place easily. Working out becomes an integral part of your life, not a chore. And never be afraid to try something new - if my doubts had held me back, I would have never discovered triathlons!