Meredith Atwood's Blog, page 15

Bodybuilding and Limits BREAKING

Why in the world would I (me, Meredith, this one) even THINK about training for a figure/ body building competition? I mean, I am so far away from that it doesn’t even seem like it could be on the horizon. Like, ever. [Pssssst: I once heard those same words about IRONMAN.] Regardless. I have heard negative rumblings about what a dumb choice it is, how much it will mess up my already messed-up body image, and more. So, I want to be very clear on WHY am making this choice. First, it’s no one’s worry what I do with my body. Now, that small fact is out of the way… here’s some info for those who truly care to understand why. I underwent an experiment on myself over the last year (more to come on this in the #NextBook)… and one of the things I realized is that I have a core belief that I cannot change my body. In my head, I’m a scared little 10-year old … on Weight Watchers, stuck, miserable and hungry. So hungry. So sad when I couldn’t eat. Devastated when I gained weight. Devastated when I lost weight (because it was never enough). I have struggled with my own limitations surrounding my body (shape and size) for way too long. Despite triathlon, CrossFit, weightlifting and other feats of strength, I still struggle. I want to not only break through those limitations, but I want to SHATTER the limiting BELIEFS wide open. So like many of you who watched my journey from can’t-run-can’t-swim-can’t-bike to four IRONMANs, here’s another something to watch. Yet, this is a journey of different proportions. Because it’s about something more than moving forward—but yet, it’s not. Because this journey is so rooted in discipline, monotony, concentration and rigidity. It’s a solo journey too—not many training partners, weekend runs or rides or events to keep me going. Just me, my headphones, leggings and Instagram. This is a journey that (of course) can be categorized by the naysayers and haters as selfish and aesthetic—stupid and silly—fat-shaming and ridiculous.  But of course, I could care less what anyone thinks. I have been around the world on what other people think of me… and that’s none of my business.  #YearOfNoNonsense For me, however, this particular journey (I’m 7 weeks in) has been life-giving, inspiring, habit-forming, reality-landing, bullshit-breaking… and gets me saying “hell yes” every single day. I am showing up for ME.  For the challenge. For the discipline. And at the end of day, isn’t that what it’s all about? Finding our WHY and then going after it? I say, YES. But I also am purposeful in finding joy in the journey and every single second of progress and lessons learned along the way. So that’s what I’m up to. That… and writing books, moving to Kansas, interviewing cool people (like Bob Harper!), and going back to school #yourmomgoestocollege.  And of course, doing triathlons here and there—especially in the new hood #WINforKC    

RaceMania Updates: Back For More!

Excited to have been invited back to RaceMania for 2019 – Sunday, March 24th in Boston! Main Stage I will be on the main stage seminar for “The Year of No Nonsense… Changing One Thing, Changes Everything.” When the “worst year ever” happens, what do you do? What would happen if you said, “No more nonsense”? Well, that’s exactly what Meredith Atwood did—and she learned more than she ever thought possible. The journey of a Year of No Nonsense changed EVERYTHING—from triathlon to food to relationships–and you might be surprised how it can change your journey too. Attend this session and find out. When: 11:00am, Sunday March 24 Workshop Each session is capped at 15 people, so register now to guarantee your spot! RACING YOUR WAY TO A WHOLE LIFE OVERHAUL: USING SPORT TO CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT  Starting or continuing with triathlon, running or cycling may seem like a simple decision and using sport to create the LIFE we want may seem strange, but sport is the door that can open up your life and prepare you for a WHOLE LIFE OVERHAUL. In this intimate setting (attendance capped at 15) with motivational speaker and coach Meredith Atwood, attendees will be taken through Meredith’s new, revolutionary “Year of No Nonsense” methodology and learn how to get on the path to creating the LIFE you want. This session is for athletes who feel stuck in everyday life or struggling with body image, addiction or other emotional aspects. Attendees will learn how to: Identify the lies we are being told and are telling ourselves Get to the core of the problem Create a plan for how to change our path To register, sign up for the RACE-MANIA All Day Pass with a click here and then select the Racing Your Way to a Whole Life Overhaul under “Additional Items”. Already signed up for RACE-MANIA? Great, click here and select “Additional Items” to add this workshop to your RACE-MANIA registration. Price: $40 Duration: 90 minutes Time offered: Sunday, 3/24/19: 8:00am-9:30am and 2:30pm-4:00pm Register here: http://race-mania.com/boston/clinics-... Book Signing The official release and book signing of Triathlon for the Every Woman will launch at RaceMania! I will be hanging out at my favorite Klean Athlete’s booth in the Expo Hall for the event. Check out the Press Release here, and can’t wait to see y’all there!   My friend, Dina Griffin, will be there as well!: Dina and I worked together on the Optimal Thrive programs. She is owner and founder of The Nutrition Mechanic, Board Certified Sport Dietitian, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Level II Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist. Dina will co-present the workshop, “Fat Burning with Metabolic Efficiency Training”. See y’all in Boston!

RaceMania in Boston: Back For More!

Excited to have been invited back to RaceMania for 2019! I will be on the main stage for “The Year of No Nonsense… Changing One Thing, Changes Everything,” and hosting a workshop as well. AND! The official release and book signing of Triathlon for the Every Woman will launch at RaceMania! I will be hanging out at my favorite Klean Athlete’s booth in the Expo Hall for the event. Check out the Press Release here, and can’t wait to see y’all there! Hunter Allen and Meredith Atwood headline initial speaker line-up at the 2019 RACE-MANIA Summit and Expo My friend, Dina Griffin, will be there as well!: Dina and I worked together on the Optimal Thrive programs. She is owner and founder of The Nutrition Mechanic, Board Certified Sport Dietitian, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Level II Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist. Dina will co-present the workshop, “Fat Burning with Metabolic Efficiency Training”. See y’all in Boston!

The Business of Moving (On)

So I haz some big news. Tomorrow, I am three years sober. I wrote about this for the first time at day 82 of my sobriety–and it really changed everything for me. Sharing. Telling. Standing in the light. That’s not the big news. But it is also big news too. I have told the story of my sobriety (and the night the darkness almost got me) so many times that you guys are probably sick of hearing it at this point. Someone told me so, actually. #trollz However firstly… the news. I officially went inactive with the Georgia Bar. Whoops. This is also not the big news because I haven’t practiced law in any capacity in over a year in order to focus on writing books and other things that don’t pay nearly as well as practicing law, but are rewarding in their own ways—like writing book(s), coaching, podcasting and motherhood. So back to December–and the news. December is a month that I tend to do very big and shocking things—and always about this time of year—and I don’t mean the boxes coming from Amazon. This time, it’s actually not my “fault,” this big news thing. And really it’s not a big shocking thing at all… people do it all the time. And a lot of you might not even care a rip anyhow because it doesn’t have to do with you. But.  I have never lived outside of Georgia. So I thought it would be fun to traipse our family to a whole other place and state and culture and CrossFit gym and Starbucks. Toto, I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore.  Oh, but I DO! The Expert landed a job that made sense for 360 degrees of our lives. There are pinpoint holes in this theory—like leaving our family and the only place we have known. And being damn near 40 (me) and much, much, much older (him—ha ha, I kid, I kid)… something in us knew that if we didn’t leap, we never would. So we are leaping. We are moving from Georgia. The move starts on December 28th, for the love. Destination: Overland Park, Kansas – a suburb of Kansas City, Missouri We are starting over in a new place with no family nearby and no soft place to land. Although from all the people who have already known the news and contacted me–I think this is going to be a very soft, warm and kind place to land.  We have found a house to rent, a Lifetime Fitness to lift weights and swim in… and I have scouted out the Starbucks.  Which to my delight wins the most original spelling yet. Regardless…  prayers appreciated. Chocolate too. In these last three years of sobriety, I have learned so much about myself, life and others. I have learned that stress is compounded by substance abuse; that reality and fears are multiplied and darkened by alcohol; that alcohol is the biggest effing liar on the planet–and don’t let anyone tell you differently; I am a different person when I am forced to feel all my feelings; feeling the feelings is hard–but it’s better sober, especially the next morning; and our free and secret community of sober warriors is the bomb.com. I am glad to be moving at a stressful time of year, stone-cold sober and steady. I am encouraged with the confidence that if I can quit drinking before Christmas three years ago–I can certainly move to Kansas and be okay. The question for me about MY addiction was:  Why am I hanging on to this addiction? Why am I bargaining with myself? Well, I didn’t know why. But I now know the freedom of sobriety–the freedom of a voice in my head without that bargaining is true escape, true freedom. And I am grateful for every single damn sober day that I no longer have to bargain with myself about just one, or I will quit tomorrow, or I can have just two at the party and drive home. Life on the other side of the bargain is better.  If you think you want to quit drinking–you will never regret it. You are missing out on absolutely nothing. I promise you. So that’s the news! Looks like the book tour will kick off in… Kansas City.  

Outspoken & Body Image

My session this Sunday at Outspoken Summit in Tempe, AZ, “I Hate This Amazing Body: Speed, Spandex and Self-Loathing” is all about the juxtapositions of body image in our heads, hearts, sport and society. And what we—alone and collectively—can do to make a better view of “body image”—all around, personally, and in sport. I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on this topic of body image.❤️ I will post video of the event session soon. Beginner’s Luck: On Getting Faster Beginner’s Luck: “Don’t Take It Personally” Beginner’s Luck: On the Art Of Setting Goals and Creating Habits

The Swim Bike Mom 2018 Holiday Gift Guide

This is a SPONSORED post by adidas. Read the disclosure here. All opinions are my own. Welcome to the Meredith Atwood & Swim Bike Mom Holiday Gift Guide for 2018! Save BIG and shop EASY! Below you will find a list of my (personal) favorites and many of our partners with Spiritus Tri Club. You can also get an early-bird deal on our virtual tri club registration which gets you deals and love all year round! In this gift guide you will find some amazing products AND some discounts hidden in here as well. Adidas One of the best things about being a writer is that I get to wear whatever I want to “work” every day. The problem with this (if there is one), is that I tend to get a little grungy and slack in my style. I have loved Adidas products since my first pair of weightlifting shoes in 1994. When I came across these gorgeous traditional Three Stripe Leggings and Stronger For It sports bras, I realized that I could do a little better in my style even when I am working from the local coffee shop. Check out these leggings and sports bras. Also, don’t forget the Adidas Black Friday deals that are coming! Tiro Pants/ Jackets – 33% off Fleece- 50% off Graphic Tees- 50% off Slides- 30% off Tracksuits- 50% off Samba/ Copa Super- 30% off All Sport Accessories- 30% off Training Tees- 50% off Outdoor Collection- 30% off Golf Collection- 30% off Select US Sports Items- 30% off · Select Women’s Originals Footwear & Apparel- 30% off Select Men’s Originals Footwear- 30% Tennis Apparel- 50% off Basketball Apparel- 50% off Running Apparel 30% off Amphipod Xinglet High brilliance reflective visibility with an up-to-date look and minimalist feel! Up to 40% more reflective area than standard running vests. 360° visibility and is fully size adjustable for both height and waist size. Independently top rated. • Up to 40% more reflective area than most standard running vests • Front and rear reflective booster zones and full 360º reflectivity • Soft, chafe-free stretch strap construction for superior ease-of-movement • Airy patented construction won’t trap sweat • Front access quick-clip release for fast on-and-off • Easy size adjustment for height/waist-wear over a t-shirt or parka     Hydraform Ergo-Lite Ultra™ 20oz. Deluxe fit and feel, fully insulated with maximum storage for nutrition and essentials! • Sized for XL phones • Thumb-Lock™ sleeve design for grip-free ride • Great for hot and cold weather use • Removable sleeve is hand washable • Huge expandable zipper pocket for easy access storage with key fob • Internal pocket divider for ID or keys Cushioned, adjustable strap for the perfect fit • Ergonomic bottle shape allows hand to rest in a natural position • BPA-free bottle • Jett-Squeeze™ cap for quick hydration To order yours today, go to: www.Amphipod.com Best Bike Split Their math and physics engine take your power data, course info, and race day conditions to predict your race performance and create the perfect power plan so you can hit your best bike split ever. You set up an athlete profile with data like weight, height, FTP, MaxHR, bike type, wheel type and components to name and then select an existing course or create a new course to ride and later share. With your data they calculate CdA (drag coefficient), rolling resistance and mechanical loss. Mix in your course’s distance, altitude changes, wind direction, several 1000 more variables and you’re ready. Using their math and physics engine you get the best possible power-based plan to allow you to have the fastest bike split possible given the course conditions and any power limitations. Use SBMGIFT40 for 40% off until 12/31/2018 at www.bestbikesplit.com. Beauty Counter Beautycounter’s mission is to get safer products into the hands of everyone. They want you to feel completely confident in your daily routine, so every one of their innovative and high-performing products is made with an industry-leading standard of safety. Their growing collection includes safer skin care, hair care, bath & body products, kids’ and babies’ products, anti-aging treatments, and high-performance makeup. For a free holiday gift with with your purchase, check out Beauty Counter by Shelby Lanting here. Cannon Cyclery Cannon Cyclery is our Spiritus Tri Club shop sponsor and your one-stop shop for all service/maintenance (for local members) needs, as well as new bike purchases (QR of course!), bike fitting, accessories and more! Tri Club members receive a 10% discount on all products and services as well as incredible club pricing on new QR and LiteSpeed bike purchases. We also offer gift cards which make a great holiday gift for that rider in your life! Members outside Atlanta/Georgia can purchase a new bike, receive a virtual bike fit and have the bike built and shipped to your door or local bike shop. Check out www.cannoncyclery.bike for more info. Compex When combined with your existing fitness plan, the Compex Edge 2.0 Muscle Stimulator Kit With TENS enables you to target your training and strengthen more muscle in less time so that you can achieve peak performance and fitness without muscle fatigue. It has you covered with four programs: Endurance, Resistance, Training Recovery/Active Recovery, and Pain Relief/TENS. TENS is designed to target sensory nerves. Typically, sensory nerves receive a signal that they relay to the brain, the brain then decides if the stimulus is painful, soft, warm, etc. When using a TENS program the goal is to alleviate pain by either inducing an endorphin release (Low Frequency TENS programs) or to block the pain signals to the brain through the Gate Theory (High Frequency TENS programs). Check out the Compex Edge 2.0 and other units at www.compex.com. Save 15% off with code through the holidays: meredithgift15 (certain restrictions apply) CycleOps The H2 The H2 is the top of the line CycleOps smart trainer that can really help you improve your cycling performance. The latest generation of the Hammer uses the proven PowerTap technology and improves the accuracy from +/-3% to +/-2% and simulate a slope up to 20%. The 20-pound flywheel definitely makes a realistic ride. If you’re worried about noise, don’t worry. The trainer is rather quiet with a proclaimed 64 dB at 20 mph which is consistent with the prior generation. A great feature added this year is some additional integrated technology. The H2 now has integrated cadence, speed and power data so there’s no need for external sensors. Of course, being a smart trainer, it’s compatible with a wide variety of devices and virtual training application, including Rouvy, Zwift, TrainerRoad and many more. No more endless hours of Netflix (only if you choose so). If you don’t want to use an app or device to control it, you can simply plug it in and use it as a regular trainer. Finally, the H2 is integrated dual ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth. That means you’ll be good to go in collecting all your data on most devices and even be able to control the unit with some devices. For more information on the H2, check out: https://www.cycleops.com/product/h2 The M2 The M2 is the latest version of the CycleOps Magnus. If you’re looking for a smart trainer to use but ride quite a bit outside, this is the trainer for you. The M2 isn’t direct drive like the H2. Therefore, you can easily set your bike up and remove it quickly for those outdoor rides. The M2 is a electromagnetic trainer with rather impressive with its specifications. It has the integrated dual ANT+ FE-C and Bluetooth for versatility. It can simulate up to 15% climbing grade, is 69 decibels, and it’s accuracy is +/-5%. For more information on the M2, check out: https://www.cycleops.com/product/m2 Headsweats Headsweats has you covered including performance hats, truckers, visors, active performance bands, cycling styles, beanies & winter wear, and more! Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you’re going to stop heading out on your morning run every day. Headsweats has race hats, visors, and thermal beanies that are perfect for those winter days. Each hat features a unique holiday design that will bring a smile to everyone’s face, and your new headwear with either keep the sun out of your eyes or your head nice and warm. No matter your taste or need, they have you covered. They have custom apparel, custom headwear, an accessory shop, a logo lab, and a flag for all your needs. Use FROSTYSBM30 to get 30% off sitewide now through 12/31/18 at www.Headsweats.com Huma Gel Huma Gel started with the ancient fuel of the Tarahumara Indians, history’s premiere ultramarathoners, and combined it with advanced sports nutrition research to bring you Huma Gel. The Huma Plus are as natural as you get, so you know they won’t cause you problems. Which is great, since they’re fantastic sources of Potassium, Sodium, and Magnesium, the electrolytes you need when you’re crushing an endurance adventure. They also have the Huma XL. They’re the same great taste, same natural ingredients but 3 times the gel. They offer the convenience of a flask with no prep, no mess, no hassle. Just grab a gel and you’re ready for an extended adventure. If you sign up for their newsletter, you’ll receive a code for 2 free gels. Additionally, Huma has a fun roulette wheel on the site that offers, randomly, either 3 or 4 free gels. Save 25% off with code “Atwood25” always at www.HumaGel.com! Junk Brands I am completely in LOVE with Junk Brands headbands. The next best replacement for a loved visor (but when you can’t wear a visor because of a barbell!), these do the trick. Check out the bands I love (my favorites: the Big Bang Lite) and more at https://www.junkbrands.com/ Klean Athlete Klean Hydration An athlete’s most important asset on game day, during training, or out on the race course is his or her engine. To perform at its best, the body requires adequate fluid and electrolyte intake before, during and after exercise. During physical activity, the body loses fluid and electrolytes through sweat. Even modest fluid losses can diminish physical performance. Klean Hydration™ consists of 6% carbohydrates, comprised of simple carbohydrates (glucose and fructose) and a complex carbohydrate (branched dextrin) with additional minerals for the replacement of fluid and electrolytes during physical activity. The carbohydrates and sodium in this natural orange-flavored drink mix support the intestinal absorption of fluids to maximize hydration efficiency. Klean Hydration™ also has an osmotic concentration, or osmolarity, similar to that of body fluids, to support fluid replenishment without slowing you down. Performing at your best through optimal hydration is simple with this great-tasting, naturally sweetened and balanced hydration powder.  Klean Probiotic™ Athletes have all heard the phrase “gut check.” Klean Probiotic™ takes that challenge literally. By balancing bacteria in the gut and enhancing nutrient absorption, Klean Probiotic™ is key to supporting the overall health of the digestive system. In addition, because strenuous exercise can impact the immune system, Klean Probiotic™ is also formulated to help support the body’s immune response. Order now and save 20% always with this link  ! Nuun Hydration Nuun hydrates better than water alone. The new Nuun electrolyte tablets have the same great electrolyte profile from the past, but their water enhancer now also includes: · better performance: the addition of non-gmo sourced dextrose helps the body to absorb fluids more efficiently while still containing 1g sugar or less.   · clean ingredients: they use plant based sweeteners and ingredients to increase health benefits · gluten-free, dairy + soy free, safe for clean sport certifications Use hydrateswimbikemom for 20% off at www.nuunlife.com/shop now through January 15, 2019. The Nutrition Mechanic There’s no one-size-fits-all or magic bullet so why follow the fads, social media hub-bub, or waste your time dabbling with trendy diets? Let Dina Griffin help take you to the next level – one where you live with less “food confusion” and “diet hopping.” Find out what is right for your unique self, all while achieving increased vitality and accomplishing the physical feats on your bucket list. Use MECHANIC-SBM10 to get $10 off an initial ‘diagnostic’ nutrition session or...

Catching Up on Things

Beginner’s Luck: Race Day Is Not The Scariest Thing Ever Tackle Your First 5K With This Training Workout Just Keep Moving Forward: Overcoming Our Excuses When Motivation Wanes, Rely On Discipline Instead Beginner’s Luck: The Case of the Adult-Onset Swimmer Beginner’s Luck: Recognizing True Tired Beginner’s Luck: Injury Is The Worst Beginner’s Luck: It’s Your Fitness

The Year of No Nonsense: Restart, Renewal and Ready (Now)

In early October 2017, I began seeking a Year of No Nonsense, and using the hashtag #YearOfNoNonsense. Why? Because I was tired. Shonda Rimes (producer of shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal) has a great book called The Year of Yes,  where she, as a former ‘no to everything’ type gal started to say yes–to events, to invitations and more. She basically started showing up to her own life, and everything changed for her. I know that feeling. I took some big steps on December 12, 2015 when I began to ask myself the questions: What if I gave this coming year my best efforts? What if I just tried to be the best VERSION of myself? What if I quit drinking?   Up until that time, I was showing up to some parts of my life–like training and racing, maybe sometimes with the kids and spouse, but the rest of it?  I was drowning. In so many ways. With my commitment in 2016, I didn’t try to be anyone else. I didn’t try to live up to anyone else’s version of what I should be. I tried to stop comparing myself to others. I just tried to get out of my own way. 2016 was a good year. 2017 started out as not so great year. (I call it a growth year. Where I grew up.) By the October of 2017, I was ready for a fresh start. A new Purpose. Because I was really still dealing with a lot of garbage, nonsense, and drama. I decided to commit to a Year of No Nonsense--with myself and with others. I didn’t wait until January. I started immediately. Then I set out the pledge in December. I believe firmly in starting the new year stronger than ever–not waiting to change on January 1. The Year of No Nonsense starts now (whenever you are reading this). Many of us are rounding the corner to one year of taking this pledge, I wanted to invite you to renew the pledge and make any additions that resonate with you. For those of you new to the idea of a Year of No Nonsense–welcome. The Year of No Nonsense is a very personal pledge. It doesn’t start in January. But rather, wherever you are. Whenever. And is renewable, changeable. It’s a life-long commitment to saying “no” to Nonsense–and “yes” to you. Go here to sign the pledge and learn more.

The Big Moments

Honored to spend over two hours with these two incredible people– Tony Hawk and Kara Saunders. Two amazing, accomplished individuals who have really and truly learned to maximize their 24 Hours.  Check out the latest Episodes 87 and 88 with Tony Hawk and Kara Saunders on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, Podbean–or right here in your browser. “The biggest moments for me aren’t necessarily the ones that took place in front of a lot of people.” – Tony Hawk “There’s going to be things that will change in your life… don’t doubt yourself. Things will come your way for a reason–throw yourself into it anyway. Enjoy the opportunities. Don’t let anyone’s opinions or judgments – or the prospect of disappointment – stop you.” – Kara Saunders

2018 Ironman Augusta 70.3 Race Report – The Swim Bike Mom Version

Last year when I crossed the finish line at Ironman 70.3 Augusta (2017), I would have bet high and good money that it would be my last Augusta. I had said the same thing in 2016.  #whoops I literally said to the Expert: “NEVER again!” (both years). And the only real reason? I was just tired of the course, it was hot as balls and I was spent trying to make the long park/walk/bike retrieval post-race transition. But… the truth is: Augusta is a GREAT race. So, fast-forward a year and the Expert and I were once again in Augusta. Both our fifth times racing it. We decided to race Ironman Foundation entries to help support the Foundation and Community of Augusta–and also, because it was super last minute.