TriSupporter

How many is enough?

Since before winter started, Rianman started his quest for cycling glasses that would keep his eyeballs from freezing in the 24 degree (yes Fahrenheit) weather he loves to ride in. The Rudy Project mask (bottom right) didn't cut it plus he needed clear lenses for night riding. The top row left are his Native glasses and are about 6 years old and beside almost falling apart didn't keep the wind out.

We've been to Dick's to try ski goggles - too bulky and not enough peripheral vision. We went to the scooter store to see what they had. I think the top right is from there (note: not clear). We found a pair on Amazon - those are in the middle, rear. I kind of like those - they look like goggles that the first pilots wore. After pouring over websites with no luck, we finally drove to several local bike shops. What did he come home with? The Infrared Oakely Jawbones with transitions lenses.

 

Let's hope these work because I'm not about to keep looking. The first ride is tonight but it's above freezing so maybe it won't be enough of a test. Regardless, this TriSupporter has put her foot down. No more new sunglasses.

 

Eating right

So it's the new year - Happy New Year - and many people resolve to lose weight or eat healthfully. Rianman and I started our attempt before Thanksgiving. We signed up for 7 weeks with Success Meals KC. They supply a full day's meals each morning according to your dietary needs and restrictions.

When you start, you provide your height and weigh and activity level as well as any food allergies or avoidances e.g. lactose intolerant, no salmon. In turn you get a specially designed meal plan with all the calories you need for a day. Each day on our doorstep we'd get a bag filled with 5 yummy meals. The food is sooo good. I had eggs benedict this morning with turkey bacon. Granted I had one and Rian got to have two but that's the result of the customization provided.

At first, you're sort of stunned at how small the portions seem to be but in just a few short days you realize you feel better and you're losing weight. In the 7 weeks we've been using Success Meals, we've lost a total of 15 pounds and that's with the holidays in there.

The good.

• It works. You lose weight, eat healthier, feel better.
• It's very tasty! Every day you get dessert. The meats are varied. We even had black eyed peas and collards for the new year!
• It's easy. I don't have to think at all about what I'm going to eat. I have breakfast, snack, lunch, dinner and dessert everyday.

Some downsides.

• Sometimes you don't like an ingredient but I have learned to eat foods I don't typically like or wouldn't typically choose like carrots or peas.
• You can't always predict when a friend will invite you out for dinner. We've tried freezing foods. SuccessMeals is good about skipping days if you're traveling--just give them 24 hours notice.
• It's pricey. If you can get a package, you might be able to get it for about $100 a week per person. But for two people, it adds up. Given we're big on eating out; the added expense wasn't significant.
• A lot of plastic containers. They're recyclable but I feel a bit guilty. They're high quality microwavable and resuable.

Overall, we recommend it for triathletes and their supporters to maintain weight or lose weight. (Note: this is not a paid endorsement...just our opinion.)

 

 

Planning Ahead

So I just blocked my work calendar for September 7 and 10 because we'll be in Madison for another Ironman Wisconsin. This time we'll be cheering on Marcus and Bob as they journey to their first Ironman on September 9th. We can't wait to be there on the helix, at Mt Horeb, at the Union and at the Finish!!

What I really want to block on my calendar is the vacation we're all taking in October to celebrate!!

Ding Ding!