Influential?

I am proud to announce that this experiment in triathlon training and blogging has inspired two people. First, my friend Emily has now begun blogging about her challenge to drop some pounds. She is an incredibly witty writer (http://cupquake78.blogspot.com/); secondly, another friend and kickball teammate (who will not be named only because I haven't asked her permission) has committed to joining me at the gym Tuesdays and Thursdays!

"You don't have to be a 'person of influence' to be influential" - Scott Adams

In addition to the warm fuzzy feelings from inspiring others, I have more good news. I tried a couple of new strategies at the gym today. The past two trips I have completed my mile and then continued with another 20-25 minutes of cardio on the EFX machine. My strategy was to simply get the hard stuff out of the way first (i.e. the mile -- enter dramatic music). But, knowing that I would also be doing the EFX caused me not to push myself as hard as I possible could. So today, I did the EFX machine first -- only 15 minutes and 1.5 miles -- and caught up on the latest issue of Health magazine. Then I braved the treadmill for my mile [enter dramatic music]. I also decided to step it up a bit and increased my speed from 4.5 to 5. Incredibly, I completed this mile in 12:50 -- ONE MINUTE FASTER than my two previous runs. Additionally, I also only walked 1/10 of the mile.

"We all take different paths in life, but no matter where we go, we take a little of each other everywhere" -- Author Unknown

Wait, did I tell you that I ran the mile ONE MINUTE FASTER!?

This is cause for celebration -- and I will do so with a carmel filled drumstick -- cheers!

Until next time,

Chasing Becky