What's Next? Let's "Tri"

Ah, New Year’s Eve!  Don’t you relish the tri-pronged pressure of this day?

·        Look back on the past year and list all your failures and unfulfilled expectations.  Be miserable. Didn’t anything good happen all year?  Can’t you think of one person or event that brought a smile to your face?  

·        Make a list of impossible resolutions for the coming year.  Share them with everyone you know.  Then, feel frustrated and disgraced by February when your well-intentioned plans disintegrate.

·        Party! Party! Party!  Even if your idea of a good time is to order take-out Chinese and tuck into bed by 10 PM – knowing that the ball at Times Square is going to drop whether you are awake or not.

Let’s take a different perspective on this day and the coming New Year:  How about setting goals for three things that you want to accomplish?  No pressure…take baby steps.  Any progress toward achievement is reward enough. 

What three things do I want to accomplish in 2012?

Shorten my time for a triathlon next year My goal is to shorten my finish time by 1 hour.  There is an ongoing argument with my coach.  Speed incurs more injuries!  I must respect his professional knowledge (and the fact that he is always right).  My point is that I want to work on strength and skills in the hopes that the speed will automatically increase (to a safe level).  Does that make sense?  There is another triathlon in March.  Oh, I hear the groans already… Yes, training for it has begun.  It will only increase.  I must figure out how to be more attentive to my husband, my family and friends, and my work in the process of this preparation.  Balance is the key word.

Publish a book This book has been an ongoing project for a year.  The time of reckoning has come.  The wait was worth it.  Time allows us more experiences to mature, to become more enriched, for opportunities to cross our paths, for the time to be right.  I think that the time may be right now.  I only hope that some agent or publisher thinks the same.

Start a foundation that will fund rehabilitation and exercise training for those with heart disease and other chronic conditions who cannot afford it The establishment of this foundation is the most important item on my wish list.  There is much more involved than I thought in the set-up of a nonprofit organization (501c3).  The start-up costs, including those for an attorney and accountant are exorbitant.  At a minimum they are $2000.00.  Those funds, plus some, have to be collected before any money can be considered for distribution.  If only I can find professionals willing to donate their services pro bono…

Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year!

Naughty Not Nice

Since the triathlon six weeks ago, people have asked me, “What’s next?” Or, they have commented, “Now you can take it easy.”  There are responses to both.

I already told you Todd’s reaction: “Now you can take on an Olympic triathlon!” Uh-huh. That sentiment is not what I wanted to hear in the throes of my painful injuries.  I rebelled.  I avoided the gym.  Oh, yes, like a good girl, I showed up for my regular training session only three days following the tri.  Oh, yes, I shared the details of the race with my coach.  Oh, yes, I whined about my injuries seeking some sympathy that did not go beyond a couple of stretches and a fist bump.  So I took it upon myself to “cut back and heal.”  Of course some friends and family members supported me in what seemed to be a reasonable route after such a brutal training period.  But, really, was it all that reasonable?

I convinced myself that the hikes and short bike rides sufficed to keep me in shape.  My diet slipped – not into oblivion but not as rich in fresh fruits and veggies as usual.  It’s amazing how quickly I felt the results! Within two weeks’ time, I felt sluggish. My sleep cycle was off.  I appeared less healthy.  I was easily stressed and chest pain accompanied that state.  Todd was not happy.  I could not handle the weights that I had prior to the race.  He let me know in no uncertain terms.  If anyone can whip me back into the right shape of body and mind, he is the one to do it!

I realized that I missed my regular training.  It wasn’t “brutal"; it was routine.  It’s what I am supposed to do to be healthy.  With Dr. Tirrito’s blessing, I am back into the game training for another triathlon in March. 

I learned an important lesson.  It’s not nice to be naughty – at least not where your health is concerned.  Besides, at this time of year, I want to be on Santa’s “good” list!

I Choose to Live

I am meeting my friend, Amy, for breakfast.  You should know that it was this gal who suggested that I start this blog!  We have lots to talk about today – both personal and business.  I first came to know Amy as a volunteer for the Tucson chapter of the American Heart Association.  She is the Director of the Heart Walk here in Southern Arizona.  It is not just the one day 3-mile walk and fundraiser that comprises the Heart Walk.  It is a yearlong campaign of educational programs and community support.

There she is! Amy is prompt as usual.  Me…Well, let’s say that she is always the first to arrive.  I approach the table and spy a pretty white bag covered with red foil hearts and tied with red satin ribbons.  Could that be for me?  

“Here. This is a little something to mark your accomplishment in the triathlon.”  Amy hands me the bag with a warm smile.  Inside I find a bright red cap that will be a favorite for my hikes and runs in the canyon.  There is also a card.  I open the envelope.  The cover of the card is a white background with a spray of a multitude of hearts interspersed with red dresses.  Along the edge of the design are the words:  “I choose to live.”  This card is perfect!

The red dress is the logo for the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women movement.  It’s mission is to fight heart disease in women.

Inside the card, Amy’s message reads: “…You are not only a survivor but a perfect example of someone who 'chooses to live’…”  Thanks Amy!!

Yes, I choose to live!  Won’t you join me and do the same? 

Find out more at GoRedForWomen.org