Overcome your self doubts.

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Are you thinking about doing a triathlon? Do you believe you can do

it? Are your fears and doubts keeping you from signing up? It’s

natural if they are, but believe me when I say that you can certainly

do it…I don’t care who you are, what size you are, how old you are,

what has happened to you, or any other reason you can come up with!

Could it be that health issues are making you nervous? All you have to

do is read about Sarah Hallowell, an English

teacher, who just under a year ago had a stroke, and just this spring

finished a Danskin Triathlon.

It can be hard to find out exactly why a person has a stroke, but they

think it was because she had a small hole in her heart. She had that

fixed through surgery last summer, and the doctors believe that she

shouldn’t have any further strokes.

In her words, “the main reason I chose to find an outlet through

sports is that it was something I could control. I could choose to run

and bike whenever I want and for however long I want too. I am not

able to control the rejuvenation of my brain just as others are not

able to control their various illnesses. Having some control is

important and this was an area that I could have some sense of control

and accomplishment. I am sure that is what other survivors of

illnesses might find as well.”

Could it be that weight is holding you back? Let our friend Tammy

Holder be an example of how you can overcome that fear, and lose

weight. Five years ago she was twice the person she is today…and not

in a good way. She weighed 336lbs, had developed type 2 diabetes, and

her blood pressure and cholesterol were both dangerously high. She

decided to make some major changes…changes that not only improved but

probably saved her life.

She started eating healthy and exercising, and eventually entered and

finished a Trek Women Triathlon.

In her words, “the morning of the event I felt ready, but as I stood

at the edge of the lake that nagging voice of self-doubt crept in

saying “What are you doing here? You are no triathlete!!” I took a

deep breath and said NO to that voice and YES to the goal I had set

for myself. I jumped in the water and began to swim. I remember the

sun was coming up over the lake and every time I would turn my face to

take a breath there would be the beautiful sun. I finished the swim

and continued the rest of the race with a joy and determination unlike

anything I had ever felt. As I crossed the finish line I met my

boyfriend with hugs and tears of joy and celebration. It was truly an

amazing moment, probably one of the top five in my life.”

That was a year ago, and just this spring she beat her time from last

year and is on her way to being a lifelong triathlete...oh, and she

has lost 152 pounds!

Whatever the reason you have for not doing a triathlon, try setting it

aside and setting your mind to a mode that says “I can accomplish

anything I set my mind to.” Our team at the Xxtra Mile is here to help,

and the Danskin and Trek Women Triathlon Series are designed to be the

entry point into a healthier, happier, and amazing life as a

triathlete.

Come join us on a healthy lifestyle journey!

Margie

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• Triathlon
• Health & Fitness
• Inspiration
• Multisport

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• Going the Xxtra Mile

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