Wk 1 day 4

I've learned a lot in the last 24 hours. The more I know, the scarier a triathlon seems. On the other hand, it feels great to have a goal, something I can be working for. I think I need that. Whether its something small or big! Did seal-fit class today which was probably too much. 4 mile bike before class to try to get a hold on what my basic time is. Also, yesterday was my first time to complete a "real" spin class. I have a lot more respect for people that do spin! It is hard. Did a 350 meter swim after class. I'm pretty sure I won't be able to move in the morning. Even so, I will get up at 4am to be in the gym pool by 5 to do a 650 meter swim. Today I bought an actual training swim suit, good quality goggles, and a bike cushion. Some people wear TRI-suits but I think my swimsuit with thin shorts will work. I'm gonna wear it a couple times and see how I feel. I worried so much about what everyone else thinks for so long. It's refreshing to think, "So what if I look ridiculous in a TRI-suit, it will save about 10 seconds on my time!!" I need this logical thinking in every aspect of my life. Who cares if the other nurses are mad that I'm eating lunch while they're trying to catch up because they've been goofing of for an hour? Who cares if we have less money because we spend it on healthy groceries instead of cable, a second car, etc. Aaron, Brooklyn and I are in our own place. We have our own goals and dreams. This is our life. Everyone else's will be different. That's ok! We should all love and support each other anyway! That's what Jesus would do. I hope that while training for this triathlon, I can also train my mind to love myself and others, forgive, speak up, be courageous, know Christ more and stop wasting so much time on worthless things.                                          Matthew 9:22 is written on my mirror. It is my driving force to push forward. It is the verse that has helped me get a glimpse of God's love; the love of a Father that I never had. 

Daddy/Daughter park time!

While I slept and was sick...so glad they had a fun day! I think they rode the train 4 times. 

Cory and Hannah's Wedding

Week 1 TRI for Roses

Following 10 days of antibiotics and almost 2 weeks of not being the gym, I have decided to compete in a triathlon on  November 16th. I have never even ran a 5k. Seriously. I've ran 3-4 miles a few times but never in a race. This will be a 300 meter swim, 8 mile bike, and 2 mile run. The only thing I am sort of comfortable with is the running. I am absolutely terrified. I will most likely regret this tomorrow. In fact, I'm already regretting it today. However, I want to change. I want to change my heart, my mind, and my huge struggle with depression and self worth. My goal is to complete the triathlon. Not place first, not to be like "hey, I did a triathlon." I'm not going to put a sticker on my car...I just want to keep this promise to myself. I want Brooklyn to see me as a strong woman, a strong mommy, and I want her to know I will do what I say. Most of all I want her to know I love myself. How else can I ever accept Christ's love? How could she? 

Turning in my registration tomorrow. Please pray for me. Please text me weekly, daily, or randomly to hold me accountable, encourage me and let me know I am loved. I can't do this without my friends and family. The trainer told me my age group is the most competitive. Today in my first spin class, our instructor said, "Alicia and Chad are new here. They're good looking people. Only good looking people are allowed in this class." Everyone laughed. I wanted to leave. It makes me so sad and sick that this is how experiences are at a gym. I was also given the oldest bike in the class. I can't imagine doing that to someone new. I would give up my bike in a heartbeat to make someone feel comfortable. P.S. the left pedal broke off while I was spinning. I'm lucky I don't have a broken ankle. I was so embarrassed. Normally, this type of class would've discouraged me. I would have never went back. However, I have a triathlon to train for. Today is only day 1. This is why I need everyone's encouragement. I can't do it on my own. Thank you! Please be with me on this 6 week journey. 

"They are precious in his sight."

An old post I found in my drafts form last week----Today is a rainy, lazy (okay, ridiculously lazy) day. I have been in bed most of the day reading and just feeling sick. Right now, Brooklyn is napping next to me and I'm just enjoying her sweet warmth, cute breathing, and the silence (haha!). When she is sleeping I can relax and reflect on just how precious and unique she is. She truly is fearfully and wonderfully made. 

Mid-America Science Museum

Took a mini-quick vacation to Hot Springs to visit the museum, water park, and visit Kristen and Jasen. We loved getting away for a few days!!

Home Safe from Honduras

Aaron had a wonderful experience while in Honduras. We are so glad he is home safe and started his senior year as a Radiologist Technologist student!!!!