About Me

I'm reaching my mid-thirties in a much healthier position than I entered my thirties! I quit smoking on December 27, 2005, graduated with my PhD. in December 2007, and then really began focusing on developing a healthy mindset. My focus has been to find a balance between work and the rest of my life AND lose weight/eat healthy/get fit.

Enter Team in Training. In September 2008, I began  training for 1/2 marathon - the Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon in Phoenix, Arizona- while also raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My mom is a stage 4 non-Hodgkins Lymphoma survivor and I was able to find a way to give thanks for her health. While training, I met the most amazing, supportive, and friendly community - the athletic community. I've been addicted every since!

I'm NOT a runner. I plugged away at the miles and really surprised myself, my family, and my friends by running 13.1 miles. And I don't think I ever need to run another 1/2 marathon again :) A check on my bucket list. Lexington is a hot-bed of amateur triathletes thanks mostly to Susan Bradley Cox (who trains the Team in Training triathlon team) and off I was on the next fundraising event - a local event called the Tri for Sight in Lexington names after Susan. I am incredibly lucky to have Susan in my life - she is inspiring just with her presence and she'll make you believe you can do anything!

Despite all the working out, I continued to be rather overweight. So, I'm now changed my focus slightly from training for specific events to using the triathlon training to lose weight. So far I've lost 32 pounds (WOOT!!) with a estimated goal of losing 70 pounds total. I'll be a lean, mean, triathlon machine! Not really, but I'll certainly be faster!

While the running community has taken advantage of outfitting those who are overweight, I think that the triathlon world has struggled with this a little. But there are some wonderful companies out there who focus on making us look sleek while also providing support in the necessary areas. As this blog grows, I hope to have a page with my recommendations!

Oh, and not many triathletes will care, but I'll posting some of my knitting creations - my love outside of triathlons. Speaking of which, one of my knitting projects is calling for me....