Weight Loss by “Tri-ing”

19. Oct, 2009 10 Comments  Print This Article

Julie and her 5 munchkin workout buddies

Here is a story that was submitted by one of our readers. She decided to do a triathlon after having her last of 5 kids. She overcame obstacles that would have stopped most of us. She borrowed a bike from her sister and her 8 year old’s swim goggles. Julie found a local triathlon that she wanted to do and went for it 100%. She borrowed a bike and threw her kids in a stroller for her running and bike trailer for her bike rides.  She found a way around the obstacles and just did it. Her story is simple but still inspirational. She is like many American moms and may even inspire you.

By Julie Alexander

One month after giving birth to my last child I decided I wanted to get back in shape. I didn’t have a bike and I didn’t have a nanny to watch my infant and 3 year old. But I heard the voice of Forest Gump in my head “Run Julie, run” so I ran. I pushed my infant and 4-year old around in the stroller for my run workouts.

I slowly started to add biking to my workouts. I borrowed a mountain bike and attached the stroller to it. Wow! It was painful for the first few rides but slowly it got easier.
I was fortunate in that my Mom has a swimming pool in her yard. She watched the kids while I swam mini laps in the pool wearing my 8-year old’s goggles.

It took 3 months and lots of determination but I felt I was finally ready for my first triathlon.

The day of the race I was pretty nervous but excited.  I worried that it was going to be too cold once I got out of the water but as I transitioned to the bike that fear quickly faded.

Final bike leg of first triathlon

First triathlon- getting to the finish

The running course turned out to be up a hill for half and down hill for the other half. I found consultation that it wasn’t straight up the whole time, it wound its way up the hill through a series of switch backs. Eventually I got to the top and turned around to go down the same way I had come. I take pride that I ran the whole thing without walking. It may have been the pace of an old man but I still ran the whole thing.

Finally, as I rounded the last corner I could hear the crowd and see my kids cheering me on. I had a hard time not breaking into tears as I crossed the finish line exactly 2 hours and 13 minutes after I had started.

I would like to say “Thank you” to My husband for his support while training and at the race. I also want to say Thank you to Mande for letting me use her FAST road bike as well as my mom and dad for coming and watching. I couldn’t have done any of it if it wasn’t for the invitation and encouragement from  Jen and Becca. After the pain subsided, I realized that I was hooked. I’ll be back next year and I may even do more races between now and then. If you are thinking about doing a tri, jump in!. GOOD LUCK and START TRAINING. I overcame obstacles and you can too!

Here are My Times-

  1. Swim: 00:14:48.697
  2. S2B Trans: 00:03:50.213
  3. Bike: 01:04:15.310
  4. B2R Trans: 00:01:44.28
  5. Run: 00:48:34.120

Total Time: 02:13:12.578

PS. My it looks like weight loss and adrenaline rushes can inspire people. My chubby hubby and all of our siblings are going to do it too. We may even have the three older boys do the kids race. I can’t wait.

julie-bike

Julie and the bicycle that reacquainted her with “a little black dress”.

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10 Responses to “Weight Loss by “Tri-ing””

  1. Monica 19. Oct, 2009 at 12:23 pm

    Way to go, Julie! I’m so impressed and inspired! I have a little black dress I’d like to reaquaint myself with as well…perhaps I may have to jump in and “getter-done”! ;-) Congrats!

  2. Mande 19. Oct, 2009 at 1:21 pm

    I think Julie rocks and looks amazing! Thanks for the inspiration!

  3. Beth Brohl 19. Oct, 2009 at 4:38 pm

    WOW!!! You look fabulous!! And what an accomplishment. Keep up the hard work and enthusiasm to exercise. You are FABULOUS!!!! Lots of Love Beth

  4. Colette 20. Oct, 2009 at 9:30 am

    That is a great story. Wow! She looks great for having five kids!

  5. julianne 20. Oct, 2009 at 11:14 am

    what a great accomplishment! keep it up!

  6. Shirla Alexander 21. Oct, 2009 at 7:53 am

    Way to go Julie. Congrats. I love reading your blog. You are so positive about life and your family is adorable. Missed seeing you this summer.
    Love ya,
    Shirla

  7. blonderunner 29. Oct, 2009 at 12:40 am

    Julie I am so happy for you. I found triathlons about four years ago and have loved every minute of it. Warning: they can be addictive – but a good one.
    (P.S. It’s nice to see you again – remember me?)

  8. AudreyJ 29. Oct, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    congratulations for holding out. i was thinking about doing some biking. I was going to borrow my granddaughter’s but i don’t think that is considered a mt. bike. I’ll have to look into it.

  9. Sophia 31. Jan, 2010 at 2:32 am

    I find myself coming back here a lot to read. I’ve learned many new things here. Thanks a lot!

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