Yesterday morning, I was standing in the locker room, looking like a soggy puppy—post-swim wet hair, half of my clothes on, trying to pull myself together before work–when this woman snuggles up to me…[Something about me… if there are 100,000 empty lockers in the room, people must put their crap in the locker RIGHT next to, or RIGHT ABOVE/BELOW whatever one I am using. It’s a curse.]
So she’s all close to me, putting her stuff in the locker right next to me, when she says, “Well, at least that’s over with, eh?”
I looked at her. Confused. Did she mean my wet hair? It’s was “over”?
“What is over?” I asked her.
“Your workout. That’s behind you… now you can enjoy your day.”
Normally, I would have just said, “oh yea” and moved on. But the reaction that came out of me was kinda weird. Defensive. Like I was offended that she had insulted my friend…. my friend, the Swimming Pool.
“No way. Sometimes…what just happened—my workout—is the very best part of the day.”
Radio silence.
“Your workouts are the best part of your day?” she squealed with disbelief.
Well, outside of time with my family. And I like watching the new Kevin Bacon show on Monday nights, I thought. “Actually… yes, best part of my day.”
She might as well have snickered, “You need to get a life.”
I seethed inside, but smiled on the outside. I was thinking, “No ma’am. You just don’t understand what my day brings.”
I get it… she hates to workout. It’s a chore for her. I get that–working out is a chore for many people. Sometimes, I find it to be a chore too.
But I think it’s all about the mindset. Being grateful for the workout, the personal time, the strengthening of the body in preparing for the next goal. So it fundamentally bothers me when someone treats it like it’s a waste. So many people wish they could use their bodies in the way many of us can…
It just aggravates me, I guess, to treat such a great blessing like a curse…
Then to interject yourself into my happy place. Into my locker space. [That sunrise picture above was yesterday morning!] So shame on you, poophead!
And recently, the Swim Bike Mom haters are coming out of the woodwork. Maybe it’s the numbers. SBM is growing not only as a blog, but also as a community. So there’s more exposure to more people and opinions. We moms are “Swim Bike Moms” and dad are “Swim Bike Dads” and those without kids and husbands who relate to the mantras and the struggles and participate are “SBM Friends”—-we’re a good, strong and happy group that is growing. I love my SBMs, SBDs, and SBM Friends.
So these haters are…not really “haters”…maybe more like backwoods idiots. (I can say “backwoods” because I have lived in Georgia my entire life, BTW.) But maybe that’s not really nice to call people idiots. Okay, fine. It’s just interesting. I am learning to get some thicker skin. You’d think after being a litigation attorney for years and years that I would have the hide of an ass (er, donkey) for skin… but..
So I put my life out there… and people want to just hate me for whatever reason. Just examples from this week alone:
“Your kids are young once & there are lots of ways to get fit & healthy without commiting the time (& money!) to triathlon.”
[Begs the question: why are you reading SWIM BIKE MOM in the first place??]
or
“No one wants to see pictures of you with anything less than a full parka” [I LOVED that one… actually laughed… kind of true, I feel ya…]
or
“You talk too much.”
[Stating the obvious. Actually blogging is not “talking,” per se… but alas, I’m not helping my case…]
or
The comment on my Facebook page to my ice bath picture, where someone wrote: “From Finding Nemo to Finding Kankles.”
[Wow. Kankles? Thank you. You shoulda seen them 2 years ago. I look like Heidi Klum compared to.]
The fun thing about me is that I have a raging sense of humor. I find funny in everything. So I am working on finding funny in all things hater-esque. Meaning, I imagine the sender of those types of comments sending the email from an internet cafe where they sit with their over-priced java and a giant booger hanging out of their nose for all to see…oh, and their fly is down…and their debit card is, right then, being used to purchase tons of gas at local gas stations due to an early morning stop and someone stealing their card number….
Ah-hem.
I really liked this post from Mama Laughlin recently too (a nice title too, if I do say so myself). She writes, “Things have gone down recently that I’ve kept my mouth shut about. Not because I don’t feel the need to defend myself (I always WANT to) but because this [blog] is a place of inspiration. And negativity is not needed or wanted.”
That’s exactly how I feel.
I mean, for the love… I want Swim Bike Mom to be a place to inspire, for people to laugh, to find themselves, to get fired up about good things… I don’t try to be controversial. I don’t try to be “snippy” or argumentative. I never discuss politics. NEVER. I don’t harp on religion, though I am very much a believer and pray often. (Sometimes on the blog – like before half Ironmans one …and two…).
Oh, and I answer every single damn email I receive (ooops, there goes my religious credibility… beep!!), no matter how long it takes me (if I haven’t answered yours, it was truly an oversight. Re-send it, and I will respond.)
I am tired and busy. I work two jobs–one as an attorney, one for Swim Bike Mom–and am involved in countless projects, not to mention family and all the daily things that everyone faces. Seriously, why do you want to give me a hard time? Really? What’s the point? Stop being a booger-face. Stop hiding your charming personality behind your Twitter account. Say something nice, for Pete’s sake.
So that’s been going on. Fine.
But so many other good things have been happening too—so, so so many great things! I will not turn my smile upside down. And especially not for fly-down, booger-faced people.
Oh, but then today GOT real. Real real. Why?
Well, I purchased FOUR plane tickets to Spokane, Washington today. Spokane? What’s in Spokane and why four tickets?
Well, four tickets equal myself, the Expert and two Swim Bike Kids.
Spokane is the closest we can get, airport-wise, to Coeur d’Alene.
I also reserved a minivan from Enterprise, and emailed my details to my mom, so they can get their tickets. That’s 6 people who are going to depend on me not ruining their lake vacation to Idaho.
Ironman just got real. Airplane tickets are real. Power intervals on the bike trainer are real. Spinach in my smoothies is real.
And that’s what I am, ya’ll. Just me, lots of flaws and “horrific writing” and “typos” and all. Just someone who “talks too much” and loves my family and loves to swim, bike and run. And someone who is below the middle-of-the-pack, and wants to be (and is working like hell) to be an Ironman.
So just be nice, ok? Because really, when you send mean-spirited, crappy messages, I just think you are covered in boogers anyway. Get it? I’m rubber, and you’re booger glue… bounces off me, sticks on your booger face…
Finally, I know I owe a race report from my half marathon over the weekend, but I am still waiting on some of the race photos. And you know that no SBM race report is complete without self-deprecating pictures and corresponding captions.
Just Keep Moving Forward.
Haters are gonna hate, but seriously? I’m inspired. You keep doing what you’re doing and those of us who are working back to get to the place you are will cheer from here. Much love to you. I’m off to plank while my sweet baby sleeps!
I’ve been a SBM Friend from the beginning and I have loved watching your success! As you know, success can bring out the bad in people, but it won’t outweigh the good. 🙂
And I’m the first commenter? Just another yay for my day 😉
I love your attitude and Negative Nellys!! And I guiltfree agree with you… many days, my workout/run is THEE best part of my day. It’s mine. It’s what I make of it. It’s the one time of day when others aren’t judging or expecting things from me. Pure Freedom!
meant to say “hate the Negative Nellys!”
Ok….. I go all over the place with this one.
First – “But I think it’s all about the mindset. Being grateful for the workout, the personal time, the strengthening of the body in preparing for the next goal.” I am always (or try to be anyway) grateful for this. I did my first 1/2 marathon with Team in Training and whenever I was struggling I tried to think about my honor patient who couldn’t run if she wanted to and she was just a little girl. Be grateful for what you have. Each. And. Every. Day.
And Second – For the haters…. Really? Why are they reading your blog if they feel that you talk to much or they don’t wanna see the pictures. Hello duh. And second…. I mean really, do they have nothing better to do with their time that criticize others? I don’t know anyone that perfect.
You have the right mind set. Be grateful and let the rest roll of your back. With Ironman on the agenda, you don’t have time to get wrapped up in the rest. I had a long talk with my training partner about this the other day. No, I’m never going to win, but at least I’m living my life to what I feel is my fullest and teaching my kiddo to do so as well. Do what makes you happy and leave the haters to fend for themselves.
And just keep moving forward! 🙂
I absolutely love how many times you said BOOGER in this post 🙂
And don’t fret, no matter how,why,when,where you do ANYTHING, you will get negative attention. It’s the nature of humanity unfortunately. But if you’re doing good, positive things, there’s a good change the positive response will outweigh the negative 10 fold.
Keep your chin (and your dukes) up.
LOVE.This.
It was not till I became a business owner that I got a thicker skin. That, after litigating for 14 years. Spokane is where I went to law school. If you haven’t been up there the drive to CDA is pretty short and easy — from what I remember. LOL. Lake CDA is gorgeous — though I’ve never swum in it. Nice post! 🙂
You’re awesome. And an inspiration, so just keep being your awesome self for all of us in your awesome SBM community! (I talk about you all the time; I think my friends think I’m obsessed.)
And congrats to making it real with plane tickets!!! Every little bit makes the goal that much more tangible. (My aerobars are on order at my favorite new bike shop and I’m scared but your bike pics make me feel better. Somehow.) I’m one step closer now to my first 70.3 in July!
pretty sure that first negative comment…about the kids being only young once and the waste of time and money of triathlon…was my ex husband (if not actually, it very well could have been). As a single mom and sometimes weekend tri warrior and IM hopeful (I promised myself that by the time I’m 40…I’m currently 37…tick tock) I love your blog and the continued inspiration it provides. As for our kids, I prefer to think of us as role models, teaching them that it’s important to take care of our bodies and what feeds our souls, as well as the importance of commitment and hard work. Thank you for sharing your tri world with the rest of us!!
Seriously love you, girl. Fight the good fight!
I am with you sister!
Favorite times
#1 – With my wife
#2 – With my kids
#3 – Training
#4 – Work
Lots of time, I get to train with my wife, #1+++
Oh my….I just laughed so hard reading this — by far my favorite part is : “So just be nice, ok? Because really, when you send mean-spirited, crappy messages, I just think you are covered in boogers anyway. Get it? I’m rubber, and you’re booger glue… bounces off me, sticks on your booger face…”
Haters hate it when you do not let their meanness stick to you….
You are strong and funny! Love it – CARRY ON!
You just keep on doing what you are doing. I love reading all of your posts and blog when I get the chance. I can’t stand the mentality of some people. Yes, your kids are only young once but you know what? Their Mom is going to be an Ironman and they are going to be so darn proud of you.
Thanks you guys!! <3
Some people have nothing to do but be negative and try to bring others down to their own level of unhappiness. Totally. Love. You. and I get sooo excited when I see on fb you have another entry in your blog!! = ) So much fun to read… and you always make me realize, no matter what the goal, how big or unreal or scary it seems, work hard, but don’t take yourself too seriously, have fun and enjoy the process!!!
Keep on keeping on! Do not let those joy suckers suck the joy out of your life. I’m a pastor and I make it a practice to not read anonymous critiques. If people hide behind a twitter profile, ignore them! Also, if you are in Spokane and have time, check out Fourth Memorial Church on Standard Street. I used to be the Adult Ministries pastor there. Good people.
PS… favorite part…
Check this handsome Expert out. Oh, he might beat you up if you mess with his woman. He doesn’t know I wrote that… but just saying. He MIGHT beat your face in. Might
Even though locker room creeper doesn’t understand why working out isn’t one of the best things of your day, week, life, etc, there are so many people out there who do.
I am SO grateful for every (ok, most – like 99.99%) day that I GET to wake up, go to the gym and swim, run, do combat, become a zen-seeking yogi or use my muscles that God gave me and I’ve worked hard to develop to get a good sweat on. I do it, because I can, and because I CAN, I should.
Love your blog, keep on keeping on loving every minute of those workouts.
I talk too much, too. Also, a close friend (practically a family member) told me that I’m lucky he doesn’t make fun of me more…because of my workout habits. I didn’t even respond. This person does not exercise but has weight/ health issues.
All I can think of is that these people are jealous. 😛
This was AWESOME! I loved every word. As someone who is trying like crazy to lose weight and run a half marathon, I understand how much time and dedication even my little project takes! People often give me a hard time too and you know it’s not REALLY about you. It’s more about them feeling guilt or inadequate that they aren’t doing “it” as well. I loved your boogery blog post and i love your posts on Facebook!!
You should feel sorry for the haters who attempt to elevate themselves by being hateful to others. Their lives must be so sad. You make such a difference to those of us who turn to you for inspiration!
Love your words, and I love being a SBM friend. At the end of the day I feel bad for the Boogerfaces out there. To try and tear down something so positive and inspiring just means they are lacking in their own lives. Hurting people try to hurt others. Keep doing what you do because it’s awesome.
New hashtag…. #Boogerfaces
YOU GO GIRL! There are ALWAYS going to be haters, let them hate- it’s called projection. I’m signed up for IM CDA, I live in NJ, but grew up in CDA- the place is magical, you’re going to love it. I had two knee surgeries within 7 months, last year, after a ski injury and was told I shouldn’t be running, let alone attempting an IM. All the more reason to carry on..you keep up the awesome job and keep being an inspiration to women who love to tri..see you in CDA!
I makes me sad to think people would respond to your inspiration with negativity, but that’s booger heads for ya.
OK, you have officially made it when the haters come out. What is it about some people that they make themselves feel better but making someone else feel worse. Just keep moving forward and eventually they will be small specks of dirty in your mirror because you are too awesome to be stopped. Thanks for keeping it real!
Two things. First, I only Run Mom and have all the respect in the world for those Moms out there that have the ability to Swim and/or Bike. I think I’d drown and get a shoelace caught in the spokes! Those sports just aren’t my thing, but for those that do, I find you amazing!
Second, for the woman who told you get “get a life.” I feel sorry for her. She must be in a very sad place for her workouts to be a mandatory no-fun, doctor ordered kind of thing. Not to mention the fact that her mental acuity determined that it is OK to allow verbal diarrhea to come out of her mouth. Seriously, I feel bad for her. If you run into her again, ask her if her kids respect her athleticism. I’ll bet dollars to butt pudding she doesn’t have an answer! SBM, go get ’em. You inspire me with each of your writings. You’ve found the balance and are about to accomplish something I can’t even dream of! As a BAMR, you make me proud that we share a third of the love!
Ha ha ha…#boogerfaces. I loved this post!
I may just have to come cheer you on for your big day. You will be heading to my neck of the woods. Keep being you. Booger Faces can take a hike!
You GO Girl! I have followed you for awhile and just never posted anything but your blog today just cracked me up… Good For You!! You tell them haters!! You are truly an inspiration to many.. Keep it up!!
Love your blog, inspired by your accomplishments! There’s always people that will try to bring you down because they feel bad about themselves. And unfortunately, the internet/email provides them an anonymous space to be ugly. A favorite quote I return to again and again in my training is this, “There are so many people out there who will tell you that you can’t. What you’ve got to do is turn around and say “watch me.”
You have a lot of people “watching” and rooting for you. You are beautiful, and strong, and improving yourself everyday. You are going to tear up Coeur d’Alene! …so there, booger-faces. 😉
I love your blog! I have been doing triathlons for six years now….. Every training partner I have is a skinny minny……. I do the same workouts they do (and as fast) but I refuse to go home and reward myself with a bit of chicken broth soup and a few grapes…..I will never stop triing no matter how big I get/stay. Thanks for representing the “other” tri girls…….
I am always shocked that anyone has the time to write hurtful emails to someone that is essentially a stranger. Why waste the time? If they don’t like Swim Bike Mom just hit unsubscribe and go on with your life. They aren’t forced to read it.
I think it’s just awesome so try not to worry about them and keep on going. And as to the ‘Kankles’ comment why do we all insist that ironwomen have to be super skinny? I think you look awesome!
Sorry to read about the negative, SBM haters. It is beyond my comprehension why some people do things like that… I chalk it up to the anonyminity {spelling?} of the internet. Just ridiculous. So glad you are who you are… just keep going, the majority of us SBM readers love you. And your book!
Cindy W beat me to it. 🙂 Haters are GONNA hate…and jealous much? Sorry for her and the life that she leads; HOWEVER, you are amazing, inspiring, and I wish you much success on your journey to Ironman. I, too, shall continue to Swim-Bike-Run (and be a mom and own a company).
You go Swim Bike WOMAN! Forget the booger-faces…they choose to write only to spread their boogers. No more wasting time on their negativity. “No Negativity” is a big slogan for me and my Tri-Friends. I continue my adventure through seasons of triathlon in the face of the haters, or rather the non-interesteds, being my immediate family (mom, dad, sister). Never once have they come to a race of mine, and this April will be tri #25! Even if they did, their discomfort at being around all things healthy and active would be a huge suckfest for me. My bf and my and his kids come watch me (if bf is not doing race with me) and that is heaven in itself.
BTW, that new show on Fox on Mondays is FREAKIN’ awesome…gruesome and cringe-worthy for a whole hour, but AWESOME.
Woot on the Swiftwicks! They’re from my town!! Great people and great socks!
don’t ever let them get to you … you are such an inspiration to me and so many others … I stopped running after having my son … er 6yrs ago and gained so much weight and was so shy and embarassd to start again . You have given me the push and confidence that I needed to lace up my runners and start again … i admire your courage, your strength and that you put yourself out there for others to be inspired by you … thank you so much for all the help you have given me (even if you don’t know me you have helped me so much). I hope you are able to see all the good that you bringing to the world one post at a time.
I found your blog from friends of mine commenting or sharing this link that I just had to read.
Let me say this: You are a better person than me. I don’t know if I would have been able to keep my mouth shut. Everybody has an opinion and they feel the need to share it even when not warranted. This kind of stuff drives me crazy.
It’s ok for them to b*tch and moan about their kids and their wo is me life but you have something positive to say and you need to get a life…..ahhhhh! That just drives me nuts.
Ok, my rant is over. Glad I stopped by here. Good Luck in your IM training for CdA. If I can help in any way just reach out because that is what real nice people do……they help out!
Late the haters hate! They just aren’t as dedicated, inspiring, or fabulous as you.
Your kids will remember YOUR COMMITMENT to fitness, and will live it in their lives too. I promise.
Keep living the dream – you rock SwimBikeMom!
-Jen
http://www.saludiem.com
The “kids are young only once” would have come from me a few years ago… I was sad and miserable and didn’t do anything for myself. I was angry at other mothers who had hobbies and lives. Now when I meet young mothers (or not so young) my best advice is to have your own life! Good for you for realizing it for yourself. I love your humor and your stories – keep up the good work!
Didn’t their mothers teach them “if you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all?”
Also, to the lady that told you to get a life; when I’m dumbfounded by stupid comments I’ve learned to come back with, “Why would you say (or ask) that?” veeery nicely.
Usually makes them realize what they’ve just said is horribly inappropriate.
I have no children, but I do enjoy triathlon, and I do enjoy you. And I’m pretty sure you have more of a life than that woman ever will. God be with her.
Well, you just keep on inspiring me please!!! And thanks for the new visual of haters covered in boogers. Hahaha, love it!
kat
Love your post and your attitude – both about workouts and boogerfaces. I agree with both. Don’t given them too much airtime though – people like that I think just want a reaction. And then they read your blog to see if they are getting one…and then they post more hate. Bizarre. They should go for a run or something…
Way to go Girl. There are always gonna be haters, because they cannot possibly to what you do. As far as that woman in the locker room, I understand. For Ironman Florida last year my Tri-club met up and traveled to the course and decided to bring a long a few strays who wanted to ride. One of them we thought was a veteran but turned out to have a lot less experience then she claimed. After the ride as, and as we were strolling up to the restaurant door, she said to me; “So, what do you all do for fun?”. I looked at my friend confused and said, “What are you talking about, this ride was a blast!” Of course she explained that this was training not “Fun”. I just rolled my eyes and walked away. She hasn’t joined us again.
Love this post! Love it. Way to put the booger faces in their place. You GO girl!
Ugh…I hate this one and have heard it a few times myself:
“Your kids are young once & there are lots of ways to get fit & healthy without commiting the time (& money!) to triathlon.”
I’m a full time working swim bike mom of a 2-1/2 yo and 4 yo. Love my kids to death but am a better mom if I get my “play time” too! And don’t these people know that the majority of my workouts are at 5:30 in the morning before my family wakes up?!?! I love your book and your story. I have never suffered from weight issues, but do understand being a full time working mom and balancing work, family and tri training. Going into my 3rd season and have only done sprints. You’ve inspired me to go for the crazy goal of 70.3 this year! Keep up the great work 🙂
The hell with the haters. You are an inspiration to me. Reading this post tonight inspired me to actually get on the treadmill. Up until now I was in the process of talking myself out of it/rationalizing my laziness. As far as the comments, yes your kids are only young once. Good for you that you are setting the good example of fitness and taking care of yourself. The person commenting apparently has enough time besides kids to surf the net and make shitty comments… And it’s nobody’s damn business what anybody spends their own hard earned money on. As far as the nasty parka comment, you do have a tougher skin than I, that would hurt. Anyone who is willing to make scathing remarks should be posting their own wonderfully flattering photo in a tri suit. I have a tri suit and I know just how amazingly flattering it is (yikes!). I think what you are doing is great and I love your blog. I appreciate your realistic point of view rather than the constant rainbows and unicorns I read on Facebook posts all the time (don’t get me wrong, I appreciate being positive, but no one’s life is absolutely perfect ALL the time). Keep it up, best of luck with your Ironman (not that you will need luck, you will be READY), and ignore the haters. The only thing that I can say about those who feel the need to put even more negative energy out in the world in response to a positive effort? How sad, I pity you.
It’s a shame that people need to be so negative…hiding behind their online personas. I for one look for positive inspiration and I would never ‘follow’ a blog only to berate the author. Kudos to you for being the bigger person…keep on movin’ on. 🙂
I too don’t get those people that don’t enjoy their workouts most days. Yes, there are hard parts, but when it’s over most of the time, I’d do it again if I still had any strength. Good for you for saying poo-poo to the haters. Life is too short. You are setting a wonderful example for SBKiddos that fitness is vital and that it makes you a better mom, friend, wife, person. Alrighty then, you have successfully pulled me up there with you on your soapbox. But, I will happily stand there with you! Go, SBM! Go!!!! 🙂
I only recently found your site and I love it. It is so great to see some who is real and not afraid to tell it like it is. You’ve motived me to get off the computer and on my workout. You’ve inspired me to give it my all. You’ve made me smile, many times! Keep blogging!
Really? Haters?!! They are just jealous and pretty soon they can kiss your iron a**! How bout them apples, Swim,bike, ironmom!!
Hell yes…..Haters are haters…..period.
You have totally inspired me….kept me moving forward, shared your wisdom and experience…..
Have lined up a coach…..there is hope! Keeping moving forward…
Love your blogs! Love your FB page! And, YES, my workouts are absolutely sometimes the best part of my day! And, YES, that is OK! Even though I have two kids and a husband whom I love dearly and a fabulous, yet demanding, 50+ hour a week job. I love who I am, I love that my training is part of what makes me who I am! BTW…. on my way to my first half iron this summer!
YOU KEEP GOING GIRL! I follow all the time. I am a mom and a triathlete. I have not felt you needed any words of encouragement until today. You are worthy. You will finish. You are an encourager yourself!I am doing my first ironman 70.3, Boulder, August. Your pathway continues to push me towards my goals. Stay strong. Be blessed.
Keep doing what you’re doing, YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! The haters are just jealous. It amazes me that people waste their time trying to tear someone else down instead of using that energy to improve themselves.
Your entry reminded me of a great book by Max Lucado called “You are Special” , except substituting boogers for dots !! One of the Wemicks had to learn not to let the dots (insults,name calling, etc.) stick. You are doing a great job of that ! Just let it bounce off !! Just keep swimming, biking , running and they’ll just fly off in the wind ! Whoot!
You are one of my inspirations! Keep calm and run on, and all that rot :0). You do your thing SBM and let the losers sit on their backsides while the rest of us get stronger! Can’t stop, never quit! #ironman2013
First, I have just purchased your book and am loving it!
Second, some people are not happy unless they are slamming someone else. Ignore them! Actually, I think they are secretly jealous because they are obviously reading your blog since they are commenting and they see all your positive stuff and they can’t handle it.
Third, do you train at the LTF on Sugarloaf?? I am about to go back to that gym as soon as my other membership is done (March, I believe).
I am seriously wanting to do another Tri (did the Iron Girl a few years back with no training, I think I almost died) and my biggest fear is the training time. I’m hoping that once I am done with your book I will be so inspired that the training time will be manageable for me!
“Get a life?” Good grief…sounds like she forgot to take her happy pills. You should’ve flipped your wet head on her:-)
Love this post! You crack me up!
Omg, those comments! People are such a-holes sometimes. I’d find it amusing and know they are unhappy themselves and move on! Oh, and while I love a workout, I really do hate the pool so I might have to side with the crabby locker room woman on that one 🙂
Hi there SBM,
I’m just reading your book right now…and yes, stupid people will say horrible things but look at all the amazing and wonderful people that you have met or connected to because you made this decision. They are worth so much more than a few unknown haters.
Often, my workout time is the best time of my day. I’m finishing my PhD, work at the British Embassy in Colombia, (dont have kids but I have a cat with issues, can that count a little?), and I love the time I can take away from my other responsibilities and feel what my body is capable of running and cycling in this beautiful place. Recently a friend suggested that I work on my swimming technique and do a triathlon and yesterday my holiday was confirmed at work, this week I’m booking tickets, and I will be off to San Andres at the end of April. I’m terrified (I’d say ”I was terrified’ but no, it’s present tense for sure) but at the same time excited. And reading your book has definitely kept reminding me that I’m doing this for fun and I’m doing this for me…so ignore the jerks!
Ps. Awesomely fantastic that you are doing an Ironman. Your kids must be really proud!