Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Can A Fat Girl Run Ironman?

Hmmmm....I LOVE it when people are bold.  I love it when people open their mouth and say things that their mothers would slap them for.  I adore people that just can't help expressing their negative opinion because it makes them feel better.

But .. ya know... it makes GREAT BLOG MATERIAL!!

So Im in the grocery trying to pick up some HEALTHY food to put in my fridge when I guy stops and asks about my Ironman Florida Tshirt.  "So, did you watch the race this year?"  I smiled and said "Well...I watched the run...but I was kinda busy during the swim and some of the bike!" He said, "Oh...were you volunteering?"  No, I was racing.  He looked shocked.  "So, how did you do?" he asked.  I told him I didn't finish and he told me that its tough for someone of "my build" to do endurance events.

NO SHIT..REALLY??(Don't worry..I didn't say that to him)  I smiled and said I do what I can!  (pardon my language..I will let my mother wash my mouth out later).

Now..I use to get VERY upset by these comments. I mean, I would be upset for days.  I would cry and be sad and it was so silly.  I know Im unique.  I know that there arn't alot of plus size athletes in this world but it beats the hell out of sitting on the couch.  I am determined NOT to be 380lbs EVER again and if it takes scheduling races to give me a goal to work towards, so be it.  I hope Im in my 80's still walking, running or stumbling 5k's just to keep me moving!!  

Its either Ironman or the Bon Bons...Ill take Ironman!!!

7 comments:

Julie said...

I think you should have asked how he did. :)

Trigirlorlando said...

Oh I wish I had been that fast with my thoughts :) You are good!!!!

The Traveling Yogi said...

Hey, I've seen some plus size athletes do really well in tris and marathons. In my mind, size doesn't matter. It's the determination, will and training that get your where you are. If you see that guy again, ask him when he's going to do an Ironman. I bet the answer is "never".

Shawn said...

it's good to hear that you handle these kinds of comments better then you used to. What I have to watch is not saying these kinds of negative things to myself! how much worse is that then having someone else say them.

You are to be commended - you are working toward a goal - that's better then most of the country is doing - good on you!

Me said...

I'm shocked that someone would actually say that! I guess he doesn't understand what dedication it takes to train for an Ironman. You are awesome, I hope you know that :)

Anonymous said...

The days before my Ironman, everyone thought it was my husband doing it. I showed that wrist band off everywhere once I got it - showing everybody it was actually me. I got lots of "YOU, DOING IRONMAN" comments... looks, sideways stares, whatevers... I did it anyway, so bugger 'em. Plenty of people never get the courage to dream it, think it, or start - at least we did!!!!

Good on you for handling it with dignity.

Sara Cox Landolt said...

I love changing people's perceptions. At my race a few years ago at Ironman Florida, the male volunteer working the scale at the registration, did a double-take after I stepped on the scale. He actually made remarks about my weight. I was in total shock...

I finished. It was tight, but it made it all even mean more.