I’m OK with calling myself a triathlete

Carlos Solis is one of seven CNN viewers training for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon with CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Recently Solis and the rest of his teammates traveled to Hawaii for a week of intensive training.

I remember one Sunday afternoon last year. My wife and I were driving, seeing all these cool looking bicyclists decked out in spandex uniforms and racing gear pedaling along Euclid Avenue in our town.

I was thinking out loud, “Man, it sure would be cool to be doing that someday.” The thought ended there as a very cruel reality check set in.

I was 48 years old, still overweight, still fighting to gain control over my obesity and diabetes. What in the world was I thinking?

Eight months later, I’m tuning in to CNN watching Dr. Gupta’s Fit Nation announcement. He’s asking viewers to send in their videos on why they want to become part of the next team to train for an upcoming triathlon. So, during Thanksgiving break, I walk into my classroom and begin to videotape my request. Still not knowing exactly what I’m getting myself into, I sent the request in and the rest is history.

Fast forward to Kona, Hawaii. Up until this point, I was keeping up with my nutrition and physical training, but just didn’t feel like I was making the progress I needed to be making.

I didn’t feel like a triathlete.

But it all came together in Kona. Being with the team and awesome trainers for the week is what I needed. Training in Kona and finishing my first mini-tri with the team not only boosted my confidence but also helped me to realize that I have become a triathlete.

My goals of “losing 50 by 50” – 50 pounds by the time I turn 50 this October – and finally gaining control over my diabetes haven’t changed since becoming one of the Lucky 7. In fact, I’ve added a few more, which I am excited about and will be posting blogs in the very near future detailing exactly what they’re all about.

For now though, as I continue towards the finish line in Malibu, it’s cool to be one of those bicyclists riding up Euclid.

It’s cool to be called a triathlete. Thanks CNN!

To find out more about the Fit Nation Lucky 7 and Carlos’ journey, follow us on Facebook at Facebook.com/CNNFitNation and on Twitter: @CNNFitNation.