The EPIC 20/120 weekend is upon us and DONE.  I had an exceptionally great weekend...not because I finished the 120...I didn't....but I did finish the 18 that I had planned for this weekend...but mostly...I felt good...I felt energized...and even though i hurt when it was done...it made me feel alive!  I'm so looking forward to this race....bubble wrap people...bubble wrap...until I can get there....happy and healthy....

Here is an excerpt from a FB post that I posted on several different sites today....

Here's a little share. 9 years ago, when I left the convent, i weighed 210 lbs...through working out and yo yo dieting I lost a little weight. In 2013 I started Ironman Florida at 185....I said that if I were to EVER do another one, i would need to be leaner and stronger. I lazed around for a year after Ironman and worked out here and there and was toning, but not losing and definitely not fitting in smaller clothes. Fast forward to 2014 and I started using Kettle bells in a class 2 days a week for strength training. I met my wonderful trainer Adam and he has helped me change my life. In April of 2014 I began what we would call "whole 30" but was really just a plan that Adam gave to me. At the time, I didn't eat any starches except the occ sweet potato (no white potatoes etc.)...gave up dairy and most importantly gave up sugar. I suppose that I wasn't strict b/c I still use Stevia. In the beginning I also cut out fruit as I was trying to lose weight, but then I added it back in after the first 30 days. This picuture is sort of the fruit of my labor. the best part is that I have been able to keep it off for more than a year (something I was never able to do)..but this is because I actually made it a lifestyle change...AND I don't sweat the small stuff.....If I wanted something really badly, I would give myself permission to have it...and then actually walk away from it....it just doesn't look or taste as good as I thought it used too and I feel it immediately in my body. Today and yesterday I had a 1/2 coke after burning over 1500 calroeis each day....I don't feel guilty, it tasted ok (it was what I wanted at the time) and best of all, I don't crave it and it wasn't good enough to want to just go have one! So, i feel like I have come a long way since the 210 of my unhappy convent days.... and I'm hoping that when Ironman Maryland gets here...it will just be a celebration of the new lifestyle that I have....and hopfully will continue feed my body for nutrition only...and not be emotionally attached to my food....it can't make me feel good...and it can't make me feel bad....it just is, what it is...

20132015

 Having fun with Aaryn

All done!  and Happy