Survival of the Fitter

(Fitter, as in more in shape than before; not as in a pipe fitter... just in case the image reminded you of Rosie the Riveter and confused you.)

Yesterday was a momentous day. I completed the Celebration Sprint Triathlon in Columbia, MD. After .62 miles of swimming, 17.5 miles of biking, and 3.4 miles of running, I did not die, did not collapse, yea did not even feel faint, nauseous, etc. And, I wasn't last... or next to last or even next to next to last. Victory, I say! Victory in the battle against a sedentary lifestyle. Victory in the battle against being overweight. Victory in the battle to be comfortable in my own body.

I've spent my entire life battling these things. I've been overweight since Elementary School and have felt bad about it for most of that time as well. (I did finally experience a breakthrough in my body image a few years ago before I started losing weight, but that's for another post.) Probably more importantly, though, is that I have never felt completely comfortable wielding my own body. I never really learned to test and push and manipulate my body the way that many people do as they grow up. I didn't learn to push the limits in sports or to move with beauty in dance or even to exude confidence in my everyday stride. All of that to say that any little physical (yea, even athletic ?! gasp!) accomplishment is a huge step for me. In this area, the last year has been incredible. Just under a year ago, I posted that I ran 1.76 miles without stopping for the first time and I was SO excited. So, the fact that I've been able to go from that to a Sprint Tri in a year is pretty good. I am slower than molasses in January in all three events, but I don't care. (ok, fine, I care a little bit, but oh well)

And today, I feel good. I feel really good about my accomplishment, about how I am more aware of the way(s) my body moves through space, about the fact that I am healthy. (I also feel like a little bit of a bad ass with my race number plastered all over me.... lol)

So, thanks everyone for being so super supportive of me! It means the absolute world to me and I can't wait until I can support you in endeavors that are as meaningful to you!