I won’t be so ego-centric to actually think that you know about my “eating disorder” as my dad teasingly calls it.  The bottom line scoop is that for as long as I can remember, eating+exercise has always been a tough combination for me.  My dad thinks I’m nuts.  When we were riding in Italy, he’d put sandwiches and pizza in his bike jersey pocket.  I’d have potions and shakes and my latest experiment.  Last year, it got more challenging. 

Let’s suffice it to say that on a daily basis, my body began rejecting food it didn’t like at the time.  I tracked, counted, researched; I received advice from dieticians, nutritionists, doctors, coaches.  Blah Blah Blah.

On January 20, Autumn and I watched SuperSize Me.  Autumn is my 8-year-old daughter.  Fascinated, she proceeded to watch it over and over (not exaggerating — like 10 times over the next several weeks).  As a side note, I had to ask her to watch it with headphones on in the car because I get so agitated over our decisions (as an economist, it is fascinating and unnerving) on eating and ‘voting with our dollars’ on items we eat.  And what the heck is up on our acceptance of advertising to kids — I envision that some day we will revolt (like we did with cigarettes) against advertising that pushes unhealthy food-substitute (I can’t even call it food) items on our children.  Maybe some day I’ll get on my soap box on that topic, but not right now.  I’m going to attempt to stay on topic.

On January 21, inspired by the concept to do an eating experiment, I began “Purify Me”.  I decided to put only natural, unprocessed food in my body.  Previously, I thought I didn’t eat many processed foods — but I found that when I was tired (frequently!), I grabbed pretzels or ate rice cakes instead of making rice.  

Wow.  I feel better.  I wish I had done some measurements to share with you — but I can tell you that I have thrown up only twice.  And both times I was experimenting - once with meat and once with number of calories per hour on the bike.  I was able to move beyond my ‘Monster’ addiction.  I stopped opening the car door at the stop lights to puke on the street (not in line with being a good role model for Autumn).

Autumn supports me, but hasn’t totally joined up.  It does make my heart smile, though, that she understands the concept that she is choosing what to use to fuel her wonderful and perfect body.  The night before I left for California, we went to the local weekly bike race (she races, I spectate).  She chose water to drink when she was thirsty instead of the other options and said, “Mom, I feel good choosing water.  I know it is the healthiest choice.”

FYI - my staples:  Egg whites, fish, veggies (including my infamous “Skinny Soup”), fruit, rice, beans, oats, and yerba matte tea.  When I work out, I eat homemade ricebars - eggwhite, white rice, and salt; and Clif products (my exception to non-processed).

So, I share this not because I think it is “The Answer” for you.  I share this as an idea, a seed that you may plant. 

:) J

It’s only March and already my mental instability has begun to show.

Actually this is one of the reasons that I was lucky enough to get selected for this fantastic team. Last year I went to so many events that by the time I finished Canada the Timex Big Rig and it’s driver Benji  had become part of my USA family. 

This year I have already raced IM New Zealand and am now just 1 month away from IM China. I will follow that race with this race schedule:

Wildflower Half IM , Florida 70.3, Boise 70.3, Escape from Alcatraz, IM Japan, Vineman 70.3, IM Canada and either Hawaii (if I get a lucky roll down) or Cancun then Clearwater.

Some people would say I am mad,stupid crazy or all of the above. I would tend to agree but not without good reason.

I am a two time survivor of cancer. I have lived through my teenage years of crime and drugs and come out  a happy, determined, positive person. I know what pain really is and that is why I choose this sport. Sometimes you do not get to choose your battles. Sometimes they choose you. Some people win, some do not make it.

This year is my first year as a pro.

Many people ask me if I have what it takes to make it. I may not have won my age group at Hawaii before turning pro…..actually this  incredibly gifted and beautiful woman named Rachel Ross won that…twice….maybe you guys have heard of her ha ha. I am new to this sport. I have been racing for just 2 years. I found triathlon and I fell in love with the people who race it.

I choose to take this oppertunity and get my licence because I know what it is like to beg for your life. Beg that if you are given one more chance you will not hesitate. You will not let fear over come you. You will do anything to have the chance to let go of everything you are meant to aquire in life… your house, job, family stability. You promise that if given one more chance at life you will never let other people messure  your success. Others opinions will never again hold you back for living YOUR dream.

I have my chance and I am here in your team and I am so greatful.

I am not coming to camp sadly but I know that I will meet most of you soon. I know a few of you already. Most of you know me as a crazy, loud, fun person. I promise that from now on I will only post amusing writtings of my adventures.

If you see me but I dont see you come say hi, I am not rude just very short sighted :)

Amanda

P.S Does this blog thing have spell check….I need it.

Or Red Lentil & Vegetable Soup recipe.. whatever you want to call it.

The clearance holiday chocolate carried me through to the Valentines Day candy, when I discovered 2 lb. bags of all green peanut M&Ms (practically a vegetable) and by the time those were gone the Cadbury Mini Eggs came out. If only they’d throw a little protein in, I could write them off as recovery food..

But as the season gets rolling, we all know it’s time to start eating better. To fuel our training, not eat for entertainment. Or in my case, as 4pm rolls around and I realize I’ve eaten nothing but crap all day, it’s time to try to make up for it with a healthy dinner.

This Lentil Soup is quick and easy, loaded with veggies, fiber and vegetarian protein, and mild enough that it doesn’t hamper the evening masters swim workout an hour later (yes, I swim. It doesn’t show, but I do it anyway.) Your kids probably won’t eat it, mine didn’t. I found it in Good Housekeeping, as seen at your local dentist’s office.

Red Lentil & Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 medium carrots, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (14 1/2-ounce) diced tomatoes
1 can (14- to 14 1/2-ounce) vegetable broth
1 cup dried red lentils
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bag (5-ounce) baby spinach

In 4-quart saucepan, heat oil on medium until hot. Add carrots and onion, and cook 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly browned and tender. Stir in cumin; cook 1 minute.
Add tomatoes, broth, lentils, 2 cups water, salt, and pepper; cover and heat to boiling on high. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, 8 to 10 minutes or until lentils are tender. Stir in spinach.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (per 2c serving)

Calories 265 Total Fat 5g Saturated Fat 1g Cholesterol – Sodium 645mg Total Carbohydrate 41g Dietary Fiber 13g Sugars – Protein 16g
Source

The weather here in Wisconsin has made a great turnaround in the past couple weeks. We have gone from record snowfall to temperatures in the 40’s with sunshine for the past couple of days. Although the snowdrifts on the side of the road remain quite high, the roads have been great. The past 3 days I got in 121 miles, with fridays ride being a loop of the IM course. There is not much water, and very little gravel, so some early season training is definatley in order. My legs are still finding themselves after transitioning from skis to the bike, but a couple solid days and I am feeling much better. Unfortunately the next couple days look like a rain/snow mix with temperatures back to the 20’s/30’s. A great weekend of training goes a long ways for the mental attitude and motivation after being stuck inside on the trainer/ treadmill.