Saturday, September 02, 2006

What am I, if I'm not an Athena?


Right now, as I'm typing this, I'm at 157 on the scale.

I wasn't planning on losing any weight, but I figure that the lighter I am, the faster I could get, so maybe it's a good thing. I'm running 4 or 5 miles on my short run days, and then a long run on the weekends. Sweet Baboo has been taking me on long bike rides, and I'm commuting to work occasionally on the bike as well. Since this coincides with going back to work, where I have a 30-minute lunch break, this means I'm likely to no longer be Athena legal by the end of the season of the SWC Series. The last tri of the season is October 1st.

When I started this blog, I was a 196 pounds and 66 inches tall. I lost 30 the first three months, just by cutting portions and being a little more active. Since March of 2005, however, I haven't lost a pound, but I've been getting smaller.

I must have been about 99% fat when I started.

My training was very hit or miss, but my body was so desperately unfit that ANYTHING was better than nothing, and so I started firming up. Then, in August, I decided I really, really wanted to be a better runner and started getting serious. I also started hydrating more, which makes me feel better but takes up lots of space, so that I wind up not eating as much. And I've cut back a little on fat.

("Yeah," you're thinking, "she's a Vegan; it's easy to lose weight" but potato chips, most donuts (I've checked) Paul Newman Dark Chocolate Bars, and soy lattes are all Vegan. So is deep fried tofu. If you really, really want to eat fat, you can do it in any venue or context.

People at work who haven't seen me since May exclaim, "You look great! What have you been doing?!?"

"Running, swimming, and cycling" I reply

"Oh," they say, looks of disappointment on their faces.

They wonder away, somewhat disgruntled.

I've shared this with Sweet Baboo, who said that they'd probably be happier if I lied and told them I'd done some insane "only purple foods diet" or, "eat butter on all your food and lose weight while you sleep diet."

I've had several people ask me, "If you're not an Athena anymore, what will you call your blog?"

I've had several ideas:
  • Tales From the Back of the Pack (probably already taken)
  • Geek Girl Diaries (geek girl was my college nickname, and it's been on every license plate I've had for the past eight years, through 3 states)
  • Geek Runner
  • TOM8TO Diaries (TOM8TO was the runner-up when I was trying to pick my vanity license plate several years ago)
  • She Ain't Heavy She's Just Slow
  • Slow, Brave Age-Grouper (with apologies to VJ)
  • Slow Cowardly Age-Grouper
  • Diary of a Mad Runner
  • At Least I Finished
Any suggestions would be appeciated. Maybe I'll have a contest. I could send the winner my old size 18 pants.

Or maybe I'll start eating more, and then I won't have to think about it for a while.

...

10 comments:

  1. I like the TOM8TO one...the other ones you will just have to change as you get faster! :-)
    I LOVE it that you respond with exercise when people ask you how you have trimmed down. Most don't want to hear that you have to work hard...they want the quick fix, like your cartoon. You should be so proud of yourself!
    How about "Skinny Ahtena"
    or "Athena has-been" ?

    How about..."Lady Triathlete"- 'cause that is what you are and always will be for now! Yea!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Answering your Camelbak question -- it weighs about 5#, if you have in it half a gallon of water plus some stuff in the pockets; I take an 8-oz bottle of chicken broth, my cell-phone, maybe a rain jacket. I've been using a Camelbak for a long time, but it's worn out, holes in the part that's against my back, and it didn't have the easy external-fill feature this one has. I'm happy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Greek goddess Athena championed many heroes, offering them her advice and protection, helping them to win their battles. In one of her most famous adventures Athena would assume the shape of various men, women, and children to guide the wandering Odysseus. Her protection of allowed the suffering hero to finally return safely to his home and family. Nike, the goddess who personified Winged Victory, often accompanied the goddess Athena. Not surprising, since "Athena Goddess of War" never lost a battle.

    I think no matter what your shape you should stay Athena.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow... very cool. I vote TOM8TO, too. It's funky and obscure. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm going to have to think about this...

    momentum diaries?
    Veg-athena?
    That Crazy Vegan Triathlete Chickie?

    It's all good...

    And by the way - you look great!

    j

    ReplyDelete
  6. i am so happy for you !

    how about 'Athena to Age-grouper and still Tri-ing !' ?

    i'm not very good with words, but you're an inspiration to many. i really enjoy reading your blog ! best wishes !

    ReplyDelete
  7. As a former athena athlete myself, the spirit of athena racing stays with you even as the number on the scale changes. Keep the name. Unless you WANT the change.

    ReplyDelete
  8. The final pounds are definately the hardest. I lost weight really fast at first, then went months without losing any. Then, I hired a tri coach and nutritionist and I lost 8 or 9 more pounds throughout the course of Iron training. I swear, I had to fight for every pound at the end. Anyway, keep it up. The hard part is behind you (changing your lifestyle). The rest of the weight will come with time, while doing what you love; triathlon.

    And, people are always looking for the quick fix and are usually dissapointed to find out how hard it really is. There is only one true and lasting way to be fit and healthy, and that is by making permanent lifestyle changes. You have accomplished that, and should be commended. Now, we just need to think of a new name for your blog. I'll get back to you on this one.
    Benny

    ReplyDelete
  9. how about: yea, but she's still got big bones.

    can't wait to see you in soma!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I like that - imjustbigboned.blogspot.com - it reminds me of Cartman.

    ReplyDelete

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