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March 25th, 2011
03:35 PM ET
Triathlon races and living spacesSince starting my tri training earlier this year, I have noticed gradual but distinct alterations in my immediate surroundings. I have a small and tidy little house. Lately it’s more small than tidy. I have always been able to get it “company-clean” in about an hour, but in recent weeks I’ve had trouble getting that hour to coincide with the energy necessary to get the job done. And just in time for kitty-cat shedding season to begin… oh dear. My closet and dressing area have changed. I am an organized person: My clothes go straight from dryer to hanger, and then to their place in my closet. Suddenly, however, there is this MOUNTAIN OF WORKOUT CLOTHES growing at volcano-rate over in one corner. I mean, why bother to hang them up? I’m just going to put them on again in a few hours or throw them into the bag for the pool. And spandex doesn’t wrinkle anyway, so where’s the worry? On to the laundry room: Can you say NEVER caught up??? Ah, my beloved makeup area. Where used to exist a simple assortment of lightweight makeup have now appeared various samples of waterproof eyeliners, shadows, ultra-sunscreens, moisturizers and foundations. Find me an SPF 1,000 if you can, please! Whenever I decide to seek a significant other in my life, I don’t want him to have to be a dermatologist (that would just narrow the field way too much.) And don’t forget the kitchen. I’m not talking about the contents-of-the-pantry-and-fridge revolution that has occurred; I’m talking about space. I want to know what on Earth happened to the reasonably open-and-spacious countertops (save for that pile of mail I save for my son) I used to have. Suddenly they are strewn with various totally-cool-but-at-times-overwhelming gadgets lying there, each with its own hopeful charging cable patiently awaiting its turn for the next available outlet. My coffee grinder, once plugged in and handy, is now relegated to a shelf, victim of the more urgent needs of these spunky little cameras, GPS sensors and heart rate monitors. Sorry buddy, you ‘re just gonna have to share. Now, where is the chest strap for that heart monitor…did I see it last in the closet mountain?? Tri training has also changed my CAR. That cute little college “Alumni” sticker on my rear windshield? Now crunched up by the top leg of my bike rack. Hey – NO problem; I’ll replace it one day because I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVE my BIKE!!! There is now a basket on my folded-down back seat that contains equipment including (but not limited to) bike helmet and shoes, towels, water bottles, various rehydration products awaiting trial, visors, arm warmers, and ear warmers. At least I’ll be able to put all the warmers away soon…I hope, I hope. (Spring *is* coming, right???) I’m saving money on air freshener, too: At least twice a week there’s that clean aroma of chlorine wafting from the hatchback floor, where I have just flung my drippy bag of swim gear. Are all these changes stressful?? No complaints from me–they are simply treasured and amusing reminders of this lifetime journey I’m on, traveling with great new friends! |
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.
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In other words, now you have a LIFE and you get out and enjoy living, rather than spending your days nit-picking over housework. Congrats! I'm happy for you! That's the way life should be.
Love your comment! Wish people at my house understood that!
Wow you have a house good for you please win a gold metal to have others want one too. best wishes
good luck
Wonderful shift in priorities and Joy. Live With Intention, DrBillToth.com/blog
That is TOO funny!! you wear it well! you truely are my hero
I completely understand ever since I "became a runner" and found myself roped into training for a half-marathon, then a marathon, and now a 50K trail race??? How did this happen? And will I ever fold those running shorts and put them away???
Nina we are so proud of you! Thanks for sharing your journey with all of us.
you are an inspiration. Proud of you.
you are doing fantastic!
A Triathlon Queen and a writer too! Wow! What do your cats think about your new found fame? I know that a dog would be out there running with you; but, what of the cats? Anyway, we are so proud of you and your middle life boom of energy. I get exhausted just thinking about your preparation in quest for the goal (or perhaps I should say GOLD). LY A
So what your saying is you can't balence your life now? And people are giving their congrats. So it's okay for you to start becoming a hoarder as long as your training? Nice priorities. As long as your running off training you don't have to do anything else or it doesn't matter anymore. Good luck with all that.
STFU.... this is not a sign of imbalance, but of a priority shift. And the shift has resulted in a fit and happy woman. Of course she is getting congrats!!!
I don't think she is saying she is a hoarder. She just said that most of her stuff is picked up because she has more energy, but now the stuff that is out is all for her training. I think we should all be proud of her and hope for the best for her in this new experience.
Mary, thanks for the clarification – I'm glad that *you* understood what I was saying–and anyway, it's all in fun!! 🙂
Be careful. Triathlon is a very dangerous sport for anyone that has a family. In the excitement of successfully engaging in a VERY demanding sport, it is very easy to be consumed by it. I've been through it as the "supportive spouse" which after a couple years became the "only responsible spouse" and is quickly becoming the "non-spouse". My divorce is pending. My wife no longer has any friends that are not involved in the sport. It's incredibly destructive. I also know mine is not the only family to experience this. Perspective appears to be very hard for the tri-athlete to maintain.
My wife used to complain about my tri gear lying all over the place. Then she started racing too. Now we are both completely happy in our swim/bike/run gear mess. Life is good.
I loved your story. I am doing a 30 days of bicycling and tomorrow (fingers crossed) I hope to start walking again so I run. This artilce gives me extra incentive to do it. Thank you!!
What a wonderful adventure you are on. It has been so much fun enjoying all of this with you. Stay focused and know you are supported. We love you, Nina.
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