Hopeful Loser

One hour until I can take my 24 hour heart monitor off. I think I mentioned that I’m getting a complete heart physical so that my health insurance feels comfortable starting me on an exercise program. It’s going to cost me a pretty penny (nothing like it would cost without insurance) but it’s worth it. My mind will rest easy knowing that I have a healthy heart and it should motivate me to keep it that way. And plus, my insurance won’t work with me if I don’t get it. (As long as this isn’t some kind of conspiracy to determine if they should drop me all together. Have you heard about the BlueCross bastards? They were asking doctors to rat on patients so that they could find reason to stop coverage.)

Also, this is crazy news for me, my friend asked me to be in a charity triathlon with her! That’s crazy! When I’m reading all of you weight loss bloggers out there that decide to run a 5k and find so much joy in researching and buying new running shoes, I just can’t relate to that. I cannot fathom loving running. I am very much an elliptical trainer in the gym type of person. I can stay on one for hours while being entertained by the characters at the gym or watching TV.

Starting Monday I will be joining her and another friend at the Y to swim! (OK, that’s the last time I’ll use the exclamation point, but just assume it is at the end of every subsequent sentence, and for that matter everything is written in all CAPS. And you can envision me walking around flailing my hands yelling at everybody in surprise. Holy crow.)

Neither one of us is in the shape required for such an event but we aim to finish at best and we have until September to shape up. I’ve never used the technique of having a definitive goal (with an actual deadline) nor working out with a friend to keep me motivated, so we’ll see how it works.

Now I’m in search of a bike and a pair of running shoes. I think my dad has an old bike he can clean up. I don’t suppose I should run in my slip on Vans. Uuggh.

Comments

wow, a triathlon - you've got guts but i'm very excited for you... i enjoy running but don't think i'll pursue a lot of races this year, it's more of a "lets see how far i can go this time" kind of thing... less pressure... ;o)

Posted by: jodi at February 15, 2008 9:26 AM

Just wanted to say that I did a very similar thing in signing up for a half marathon when I was in NO shape to actually do one. I definitely am able to keep myself on track by knowing that I need to be ready to run in May... and, I have lost 20 pounds already, so that's a really good thing too! I hope you find the experience of training for a goal as rewarding as I have!!! :-)

Posted by: Elizabeth at February 15, 2008 2:24 PM

TRIATHLON IS AWESOME! Trust me I am FAT, but I have done the Danskin Triathlon for 5 years in a row (plus two others) This year we've added our first ocean swim. The "we" is me and my 2 sisters. It's an awesome race to train with a group! I'm telling you, you will be scared, do it and be HOOKED!! GO GO GO

Posted by: Lynne at February 15, 2008 2:35 PM

February 15, 2008

One hour left

Comments