If I tri...

I'll need all the help I can get!

I have begun the downward spiral. I decided to start training for a triathalon. Well, a sprint tri. I am too terrified of running a marathon and, above all, riding a bike. I can do it for 13 miles, but any more than that and I just won't even start! I have had some bad experiences riding in the past which has made me completely scared sh!tless to do so now. However, I am starting on the bikes at UNO's gym to warm up to the fact that I will be on a bike. I will have to ride 13 miles. I will attempt a triathalon. I will, hopefully, be competing in the Nebraska State Games Tri.

I found a great website that has a 16 week training schedule. I was not exactly used to working out 6 days in a row, so it's been a hard adjustment. I am still trying to get some strength days in, but that might fall to the wayside once I start having to bike for 60 and run for 45 in a day. Hopefully, I won't fall short of the finish line.

When I first decided to start training for this, it was because I wanted to have a goal. I had just left Crossfit Omaha. I wanted to lite a fire under my own butt to keep on the right track, mainly for vanity reasons. The Hawaii trip is at the end of July and my wedding is in just over a year! Those two alone are motivation enough to have anyone lose an extra lb or five! However, now I want to do it to prove to myself that I can. I am known for making excuses for everything. I want to prove that I can set a goal and stick to it!

The diet started falling back into shape on 3.10. I started on the Zone, yet again. I was going to bet Zach on sticking to the Zone, but it's just not realistic that I will be able to measure out all my food every day...especially with Special Olympics people coming to town. They like to eat well! And he isn't on a "diet;" he's just eating better. I decided that I will eat healthy as long as I am working out, which is hopefully through June 20.

I am just a little nervous about the time between June 20, race day, and July 21st, Special Olympics National Education Conference closing day. I will have no life outside of SO. I hope that I will have time to get to the gym; I might have to become a morning person! 6am might be the only time I have to workout during July. As long as my diet stays on point, I think I will be alright.

On a side note, I received 325 signatures from UNO students, faculty, and alum pledging to stop the use of the r-word! I was hoping for way more, but I am happy with the first year's turn out. We already have started planning the attack for next year. It will involve more of the city than just 3 school campuses. Keep your eyes peeled for Spread the Word to End the Word 2011!

Spread the Word!

Everyone you know needs to be pushed and prodded until they pledge tomorrow! It is the 2nd Annual (first for UNO) Spread the Word to End the Word Day! It is a new movement created by a youth group with the Special Olympics to change conversation and end the use of the word retard in everyday language. The main website for it, r-word.org, is looking to get 100,000 pledges!

I am hosting an event at UNO for it. It will be outside Milo Bail Student Center from 10am-3pm. The first 50 people get a free shirt. All you have to do is sign a piece of paper saying you will implement a new r-word: Respect!

If you want to find more information on this movement, please visit r-word.org. They have great resources for you.

Also, here's a great video of Dr. Cox from Scrubs pledging to stop the use of the word retard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE_5_BbZlbI

Please be the voice for people with intellectual disabilities and speak out for them!