So for over two years now I've been struggling with a not-officially-diagnosed variant of something like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I think. Whatever it is, it has sucked fairly extensively and precipitated my decline from a not-terribly-slow, somewhat fat triathlete to an extremely slow, extremely fat, usually tired non-triathlete. I wrote about this on my website (www.slowfattriathlete.com) as Boo-Boo Kitty Syndrome, but I didn't really get to write about it in my latest book, Shape Up with the Slow Fat Triathlete, for a variety of reasons, primarily because the book wasn't about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and my troubles. It was a set of 50 essays on how to enjoy your body and its strengths and talents; how to have fun moving around; how to take care of yourself; and how to get your mind inspired in the face of the everyday grind. Kitty litter, commuting, work, kids, groceries and the ever-present lure of the Big Poofy Chair.
So now, somewhat in the spirit of the recently-famous Julie and Julia project, I plan to do a Jayne and Jayne project - use the advice in Shape Up with the SFT to get myself back on the road to more exercise, more being outdoors, more fun, more energy. I may check in with some other writers, coaches, experts, etc., but I'm going to built this blog on my own framework, starting with Chapter 1: Abandon Self-Consciousness. How did I do that today? I screwed up my courage and ordered two swimsuits from Junonia. I looked up the nearest lap swim location (McKinley Park) and made a vow to get back in the pool, then realized that I had no swimming raiment that would actually cover my newly expanded personage. So I gritted my teeth and spent $140 on the suits. I hope they fit. I'll let you know. If I really take the advice of Chapter 1, I'll post a picture.
I'm not sure how this will work, or if it will work, but it's time to try. I want to feel more like the person who bounded onto the cover of Slow Fat Triathlete, and I want to live some athletic dreams again.
