Strong IS the new Skinny!

"Men are taught to apologize for their weaknesses, women for their strengths." -- Lois Wyse

For as long as I can remember I have been a big (er) person. I was always one of the tallest kids in class. I used to DESPISE being so tall! I thought that I would never find a boyfriend because I was at least a foot taller than every boy I knew. Finally around the 8th or 9th grade the boys caught up with me in height. I was no longer the tallest kid in class, but one thing that set me apart was that I was strong. I struggled with being a tall, tough girl for the longest time!

In triathlon being "big" is considered such a disadvantage that they give you your own category to compete in! If I choose to I am able to compete with other women who weigh more than the average female competitor. Personally I choose to stick with competing against the 30-34 females. Yes, my size may be a disadvantage while I run and in the heat, but for the most part, I don't think it slows me down too much.

I get criticized for doing things that do not relate to swimming, biking, or running. I am often told that my weight lifting won't make me faster. True. But what it makes me is STRONG. And strong? Well in case you haven't heard, it's kind of the new skinny!

Thanks to my girl Bethaney for the awesome shirt!

Being strong has it's advantages. I don't worry about being attacked. I mean really, you aren't going to go after the chick who weighs as much as you do. I'm able to carry my 50 pound bag of dog food with no worries. I can re-rack the weights at the gym with little effort. Can't get your jar of peanut butter open? I can probably help you with that too.

Over the past couple of months I have been getting congratulated while working out. It is mostly after I do push ups or pull ups. I realize that it might not be a normal sight to see, but please do not give me a thumbs up, atta girl, or way to go after you witness me working out. I hope that one day it's the norm to see a woman working out like that and not a rarity! In the meantime ladies, don't be afraid of throwing around some weights and getting strong. It's in!