Inspiration to the Extreme!

I spent Sunday morning cheering on a few friends in a sprint triathlon. I have to admit part of me was itching to jump in on the fun ... until I saw the bike course was on a country highway IN TRAFFIC. I was a nervous wreck watching the ride because of the numerous near-collisions between bikes and cars!



My friends kicked major butt - 3 were doing their first sprint triathlon and 1 had done the Trek Women's triathlon with me 2 weeks ago. She said although this tri was shorter in distance for all events, she felt it was a harder course.

They also had concurrent "normal distance" and Olympic distance races going on at the same time - on the same course - so that was rather interesting to watch.

As I waited at the finish line, I was speechless watching all the finishers - from old to young, to fit to flab, to strong to so pale I thought she was going to pass out - all had smiles on their faces as they crossed the finish line.

One triathlete in particular moved me to tears ... watching this young triathlete cross the finish line brought a HUGE cheer out of the crowd, and there were many folks surreptitiously wiping away a tear or two. I did manage to wind my way over to her and spoke with her and her mother (who did the triathlon at her side). I won't share any personal details at her request, but do have permission to share this photo with you all.





All I can say is that when I'm feeling like I have nary a friend in the world, that everyone's against me, and that there is no hope left, that I will never ever reach my goal, that it's too hard, too difficult, not worth it ... I will bring this moment back into my mind and give myself a good swift kick in the rear! This amazing young woman has overcome much more than I ever have, and she had the courage and tenacity to complete a triathlon. If this isn't the epitome of inspiration, I don't know what is!






So this week is a taper week for me as my HALF-MARATHON is THIS SUNDAY! :) Yikes! I'm feeling really good about the run, nowhere near as panicked as I was for my triathlon (thank Heavens!)

Workout yesterday was a spin class in the evening as I had to get to work super early and couldn't make my HIIT cardio workout with TrainerGuyGumby. I really truly enjoy my personal training workouts, but realize how much I've missed my group cardio classes. I believe I work out just as hard with my trainer as I do in my cardio classes, but the classes are much more fun :)

Today's workout will be a total body strength/endurance workout on my own later this evening as I had to be at work super early again today, and here's the plan:

5 min warm up on elliptical

A1: Squats with bicep curls into overhead shoulder press w/ 12 lb dumbbells
A2: Captain chair crunches on bench
A3: Overhead lats on bench with 10 lb dumbbells
A4: Leg curl & hip up combo with stability ball
* Repeat this circuit 3 times

B1: Step ups on bench, with overhead shoulder press with medicine ball
B2: Russian twists with medicine ball
B3: Pushups
B4: Lunges across gym basketball court w/ 15 lb dumbbells
*Repeat this circuit 3 times

30 mins swimming with the kids

I'm slowly getting used to the idea of working out on my own, and am rather enjoying it. I truly appreciate all that my personal trainers do for me and helped me to achieve, but being on my own is rather liberating :)

xo,


"People are always blaming their circumstances for what they are. I don't believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can't find them, make them." G.B. Shaw, Mrs. Warren's Profession, 1893

12 comments:

Christi said...

so, I'm out of the wheel chair, and I can get shots for my knee and hip - I don't have any excuses.....
I may not be able to run like you are - but I can do something......

Thanks for sharing
~Christi

AzLinda said...

Wow, talk about a dose of super inspiration! Thanks for sharing that with us. What a remarkable girl!

Melissa Cunningham said...

THANK YOU for sharing such an amazing post!
It always seems that at almost every racing event,there are certain individuals who stand out above the rest-they may not be the fastest,may not be the "fittest",may not come in number 1,but you know,they have the heart to go out there and perform to the best of thier abilities-to them,they ARE brining thier best,and with them,they bring along inspiration and hope to others.....
again.great post,thank you so much for sharing!

Carlos said...

awesome post... great inspiration!

Deanna @ The Unnatural Mother said...

Thanks for sharing!!! I can't wait for my half in May so I am going to live vicariously through you!! Do you mind?? I know you will kick major bootie!!

Dee

iampalegreen said...

This is JUST what I needed to read. Just as I was emailing Dee saying how I feel I have "nary a friend in the world" Wow...what inspiration.

Good luck on the halfie! I KNOW you're gonna rock it!

Marcelle said...

I cant copy the link of the blog roll to add to my blog...am I being stupid or what???

Vix said...

Awesome post Michelle! What an inspiring girl!

Good luck with the rest of your preparation this week, but mostly, GOOD LUCK for Sunday!! Go smash it!!

Vicki x

WriterMarie said...

Thank you so much for the reminder that we can all doing anything we put our minds to! :o)

Dee said...

Just came upon your blog. You are doing fantastic!! Keep up the good work!

TX Runner Mom said...

I just found your blog today - it's great! Best of luck on your 1/2 marathon this weekend!

TX Runner Mom said...

I just found your blog today - it's great! Best of luck on your 1/2 marathon this weekend!

Copyright © 2009 - Secrets of a Former Fat Girl - is proudly powered by Blogger