The Journey

On Sunday, I started the Chicago Triathlon.  It was one of the largest in the United States.  The goal was to complete 1500m in Lake Michigan cycle 24.5 miles and run 6.2 miles in Chicago. I completed this race last year. It was both challenging and fun. This year the outcome was not what I had planned. I started the race surrounded by wonderful people, Some I knew while others were strangers. We all started the race together. Rough waters awaited. Lake Michigan looked menacing.  She churned and tossed us from the moment we entered the water. Here I am at the first bouy. My plan was slow and steady since I was not familiar with this type of water. So I swam. I remembered saying to myself, "Slow is fast". I focused on each stroke and thought of little else. I saw a friend swim by me. It made me feel great as I turned to the straightaway toward the finish. I could see the finish through my Rx goggles. I swam and swam. As I sighted for the tall buildings in the dis...

Recently, I chimed in on a discussion about the latest health documentary on What the Health?  The movie describes how nutrition research, regulations and guidelines in America are influenced by  lobbyists.  The film goes on make several assertions about the "best" diet for Americans.  This is the most controversial aspect of the movie. Many people do not like being told what to eat. Who does? Food is not only very personal, but tied to culture and traditions. Disclaimer~As a health professional and certified health coach with a specialty in metabolic diseases,  I would recommend that individuals seek out professionals who can help them develop an eating plan that works for their body.  Everyone has different needs based on their biochemistry, activity levels, underlying health conditions and the medications they take.  It would be irresponsible for me to state otherwise.   A few thoughts~ 1. Nutrition is evolving like everything in sci...

Yesterday I had fun participating in the Ft Ritchie Triathlon at the Sprint Distance.  It is a local race that is extremely well organized with events in the duathlon, aquabike and triathlon at the Sprint and Olympic Distance.  It was a beautiful day indeed.  Someone asked me awhile ago why do I sign up for triathlon when I am not a great swimmer or won't win the race.  I did not answer them, but have reflected on this quite a bit. Here are my thoughts. Everyday I live, I realize there are more and more days behind.   I constantly ask myself, how long or when? When are you going to give yourself permission to let go of fear of failure? How long are you going allow yourself to feel that you must be perfect? How long are you going to sit on the sidelines and watch others try new things?  When are you just going to allow yourself to be imperfect and just find the joy in learning new things? Yes, trying new things is both scary and humbling. It requ...