A Tri - Really?

When the call came on that cold December day I joke that I must have been eating a cookie because why else would I agree to swim 500 M, ride 12.4 miles, and run 3.1 miles?

Let's start off with saying this - I don't know how to swim, in fact I hate being in water. There is nothing worse in the world to me than being cold and wet. I haven't ridden my bike in so long the tires were rotted out and it was still holding the baby carrier. Mind you my "baby" is 15. And well this is no ancient chinese secret I hate to run. So, a tri was well, right up my alley!!!

So for almost 7 months I procrastinated. I was asked on occasion if I had worked on my training and pretty much the answer was no. I am constantly asked "aren't you worried at ALL about the swim?"

And here is my answer, I'm not. I don't know why I'm not afraid. But I'm not -at all! I am almost worried myself now that I'm not worried! I have been asked so many times if I'm worried that I'm starting to worry that I'm not worried! How crazy is that?

My thinking (whether rational or not) goes something like this:

• There is nothing I cannot do - as long as I am willing to try - then it can and will be done.
  

I have absolutely NO fear of seeing what is on the other side of the "Tri" door....well I did feel a little tingle of nervousness last night when I was stuck in that Tri suit but that ended promptly when I managed to get it off of me.

So, as with most of my other issues in life I will forge forward and see what is in store for me. I can't wait to share my feelings, thoughts, and experiences with all of you after the actual event.

I will NEVER let FEAR = "False Evidence Appearing Real" take the forefront in my life. I will gladly step in front of it and shut the door in its face.

Emotions....How do you control yours?

We all have emotional baggage...and ex that did us wrong. A parent that disciplined too much or too little. Something that we are hiding from in our past. It could also be something recent. Sending your child off to college. A break up. Losing your best friend.

What do you do to deal with your emotional baggage? Some of us lean towards food, alcohol, shopping, sugar - what is your vice when your emotions get the best of you?

I personally lean towards sugar. Inevitably when I am having a bad day I will start to actually crave it.....it's all I can think about....and I can't stop the craving until I have it.

But, what if I pushed that craving aside? What if I didn't give into that want, need, or desire to cave? What if I tried a little harder instead of folding when I feel it coming on?

I would feel like I have accomplished something. I would gain confidence. I would feel a satisfaction or a high from NOT giving in.

You see, it's all about choices - when it comes to controlling your emotions you are the only one that can make that choice. Are you going to cave and give into the vice or are you going to take a stand and not let it take you down?

Start with baby steps - today I will NOT give into the pressure of my emotions. Then add in tomorrow, and the next day, and the next! Before you know it, you will be feeling that high of keeping your emotions in check and your confidence will soar making you ready to take on the world.

One day at a time!!!