This is my spiffy new sports bra I'm wearing for Sunday's triathlon. I'd forgotten what support feels like when exercising! I've pretty much decided (I think) what I'm wearing for the triathlon, but I'd be lying if I said I'm not freaking out bigtime. Anyone who's overweight understands that clothes and bare skin are a vulnerable proposition. Especially when the clothes are skin tight and skimpy, like tiny bicycle shorts and thin sleeveless shirts. Worn in public. While exerting your ass off. With bike helmet hair.
I bought TYR tri shorts which you can swim, bike and run in. But TYR's XL must be designed for a rare breed of miniature pixie humans (perhaps triathletes), because even XL is way too snug on me. When I go back to Fitness Fanatics to pick up my race packet today, I'll ask what they think. The last thing I want is to spend my first triathlon hitching my pants up!
I am officially nervous. About showing my body, what I'm wearing, will it chafe? (I do have Glide to rub everywhere to prevent chafing), the bike ride, possible flat tires (which I don't know how to change very well), the run, the early start time (check-in begins @ 5:45 a.m. *gasp*, triathlon starts @ 7:45 a.m.), getting enough sleep the night before, wearing contact lenses which I hardly ever wear, functioning that early in the morning, what to eat beforehand, etc. etc. etc. ETC.
On the plus side, I'm a strong swimmer, I have a good bike, plenty of other women are in the exact same newcomer boat as me, the weather's gonna be ideal, and my boobs will be supported. As for the rest of it, I think I need to stop thinking!
UPDATE: Just picked up my race package and a whole bunch of peace of mind thanks to support and reassurances from other triathlon veterans and newbies. I also exchanged the itty bitty tri shorts for a pair that feel MUCH comfier! Still anxious, but much less than before.
You're going to be awesome! Good luck!
Posted by: Anu | Friday, July 11, 2008 at 11:53 AM
No matter what happens. I'm impressed and you can be very proud of yourself for exposing yourself in so many ways! ;) Just have fun and enjoy a body that is able to do these things. Yeh for you!
Posted by: Gail B | Friday, July 11, 2008 at 03:16 PM
I would have lots of anxiety too Carla, but I'm envious that you are doing it . . . while I sit on my couch with "Ben & Jerry" . . . because of my fear of "doing it".
I had a Phoenix Rising session this morning and what came up for me was fear and freedom.
Fear is my Ego . . . Freedom is me doing what I want to do and being me for me . . . My Ego tells me "clothes and bare skin are a vulnerable proposition" while freedom tells me A triathlon will be fun to try, the training for it will get me in better shape, it will be an awesome accomplishment, and who the hell cares but me!
And just think, next time you won't be the newbie . . .
it's just like walking through the doors of A.A. that first time . . .
Good luck and I am really PROUD of you! Kel
Posted by: island Girl Spirit | Friday, July 11, 2008 at 05:35 PM
I'm cheering for you girl! I have so much admiration for you for doing this. You'll be brilliant!
Posted by: Kate I | Friday, July 11, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I'm so very excited for you. Good energy coming your way across the miles :) P
Posted by: Paula | Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 04:26 AM
Go Carla!! Just participating is fantastic - you'll be fine.
Posted by: martie | Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 05:44 AM
Hooray for boob support! And just think - you're DOING this - anything past that is icing on the cake.
Posted by: Deb | Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 08:10 AM
Frankly Carla, the only thing that people are going to see as you wiz by is a strong and beautiful woman who is doing something that so many of us have never done, and may never do! Enjoy your day girl! You're a rock star!
Posted by: monique | Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 09:23 AM
you are such an inspiration and i will be routing for you tomorrow (albeit it from afar!) ... you can so do it!!
: )
you are so beautiful and amazing!!
Posted by: darlene | Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 12:06 PM
OMG, I so agree with Monique! You are amazing Miss Carla!
I'll be thinking about you all day tomorrow--before, during, and after. I'll be cheering you along in every way.
And I can hardly wait for the follow-up post. Wow! What a woman!
Posted by: LindaB | Sunday, July 13, 2008 at 12:06 AM
Have a great time, Carla! Enjoy the day and the process and be proud of your accomplishments.
Posted by: Kathy K. | Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 07:59 AM
Wow. That's all I can say!!
Posted by: Carla Sonheim | Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at 02:58 PM