transforming ...

Back in high school, when I was a complete non-runner, I was a shot-put and a discus thrower. I was big and strong and eventually went on to compete on a Division I Track and Field team. I loved it, but no matter how much my coaches told me that running would help my training, I never listened. Running sucked. And I only had to move across a six foot circle, how much endurance do you really need for that?

Every few weeks or so, my high school coach would plan cardio days. We'd go on a longish run and then come back and do agility drills followed by strength training. I hated those days. And I only managed to put enough effort into it to make it through. A typical cardio day looked like this:

• warm-up
• run an ungodly distance (I always thought it was 3 miles or so. I just mapquested it. It's 1.25 miles.)
• Finish the first half of the run at McDonald's.
• Stop and order a "snack"
• Run/walk/shuffle back
• Sprints
• Strength training

Looking back on it now, I wish I could go kick my former self in the a** and tell her that she needs to change her life and that she should embrace being fit. I mean, seriously, who in their right mind stops at McDonald's in the middle of a workout? No wonder I was 70 pounds heavier.

But that's not my point. What I am really trying to say is don't doubt that you can change. That you can reach your goals. It doesn't happen overnight and small changes add up. If you asked 18 year old TMB if she thought that one day she would be a vegetarian marathoner with three kids, you would have gotten laughed at. But the little changes and the daily choices transformed who I was and what I thought was important. Those changes and the drive to make them happen have made me a better me.

How are you going to make yourself a better you?

you wanted to know, questions 36-40

When I had my 1,000 mile giveaway, a requirement for entry was to ask me a question. Any question. And I promised to answer them in a series of posts. Here are questions 36-40 ...

Roggia asked, "How long did you wait to start running again after having your baby?"

Three weeks to the day. My OB/GYN and I had a bit of a debate about it when I was about 12 hours postpartum. She knew I wasn't going to wait six weeks, as most doctors recommend. So, she asked for four weeks. I told her I would give her two. She didn't like that at all but, I wasn't taking a month off. So, after each stating our arguments, we agreed on three weeks - as long as I did NOTHING in those three weeks. And I really didn't do anything in those three weeks. Well, except move to a new house. But, that doesn't count. Right?

ann asked, "What's your power song?"

Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band. Always has been, always will be. My dad used to sing it to me when I was little and hearing it now reminds me of him. And that's all I need to get my second wind ...

H Love asked, "What would you do if you couldn't run?"

Cry. A lot.

Honestly, I would probably go back to playing soccer or throwing the discus. I played soccer for 13 years and threw the discus and shot put for 9 (I was a Division I athlete in the throws). I loved both of those sports so much and really miss competing in them.

Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) asked, "What is your favorite pre-race, night before meal?"

As bad as this is going to sound, I usually eat a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch with skim milk. I love it and I know that it is not going to bother my stomach. But, I probably should get a more nutritious meal in me before a race.

Kellie asked, "What's your favorite post-race indulgence?"

Cupcakes. Or a Chipotle burrito. Kind of depends on what kind of mood I am in.