Meredith Atwood's Blog, page 18
March 28, 2018
The Dry Drunk Routine
Someone recently talked behind my back: “You know, I’m just really tired of Meredith’s ‘dry drunk’ routine. Who CARES how sober she is?” My first instinct was: THAT person should care, because clearly they aren’t willing to face their problems. My next instinct is THIS: I really, truly don’t care if someone is tired of my ‘dry drunk’ routine. Unfollow me, stop reading. Go somewhere else. I will NEVER stop sharing what being a sober person means to me, has meant to my life, my children, my career, my health, opportunities, relationships …and my wallet. That picture was probably at one of the lowest points for me. Not to mention it was taken at “law school prom.” Major LOL. In the middle of an addiction, we can’t see the other side. We can’t see a way out. We are trapped. We feel hopeless in our current situation: the crushing weight of our own expectations slams us into the reality of our own present failures. We want to stop, but we also don’t want to stop – because the addiction is filling a need. We NEED to escape. We NEED to not be in our own bodies and minds. We NEED to forget the abuse, the pain, the messes that we have made or are making. We NEED to get the hell out of our own lives, but we don’t know how. We NEED to find a new job, life, friend. We NEED to exercise, to eat better. We NEED to pay attention to our kids. But all we can do is pour a drink, because it’s the only thing that stops that vicious list of NEEDS. The list that is so long, so crushing. The TRUTH of the matter is that being sober STOPPED the cycle of NEEDS. It slowed it down, it alleviated it. Not instantly, but it did–eventually. Not drinking each day (one minute, one hour and truly #onedayatatime) saved me. I will continue to tell my “dry drunk” story and put on this “routine.” Because it saved my effing life. And it can save yours, too, if that’s something you need. THERE. IS. HOPE. THERE. IS. BETTER. FOR. YOU. Even if drinking is not your thing, there might be something else. There might be something else that you need to find a way out of… addiction is not just for weak people. It’s pervasive and real, and a bigger part of our culture than so many of us know. One year ago I was moved to create a safe place for people who wanted to get out of the cycle. I think it’s been wildly successful and heart-warming and amazing. Anyone is welcome. You can join our free (and secret) Grateful Sobriety group and meet over three hundred people who will support you, love you, and say “me too” about alcohol and addiction. We have all been there. We are all over the big hurdle, or are working towards it–every single day. #YouGotThis #WeGotYou #EveryDay Go here to join. (If you don’t want to join a group, but you want to reach out… just contact me.)
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March 21, 2018
I Do Three Things.
I have written many, many times about the importance of accepting ourselves as athletes, as runners, as triathletes. I have written over and over about the importance of not downplaying our accomplishments–no matter how big or how seemingly small. To own the athletes we are. To work hard to get better... but be thankful right where we are, right in this moment, for all the amazing things that our bodies can accomplish. I write and write. Blah blah blah. And then I completely fail at following my own advice. At least internally. STILL. I wanted to share an experience I had in the hot tub one time. (No. It’s not that kind of experience.) So I had a 2,000 meter time trial in the pool. Went well, was feeling pretty triathlete-like with my sore body and goggle-eyes. I hopped out of the pool, and dipped into the hot tub adjacent to the pool. I was alone for moment, before a super-fit guy hopped in. I nodded at him. And stuck my face back in my waterproof-cased phone. But, he was very chatty. My poor inner introvert. So anyway, the guy sees that I am sitting in the hot tub with my phone. “Wow, that’s risky,” he says, pointing to my phone. “Oh, Lifeproof case. Waterproof,” I say, sticking my nose back in Instagram. “Hey, are you a swimmer?” he asks. And I freeze. Oh no… not one of those questions. Am I a swimmer? Am I a swimmer? Well, I just swam… so that makes me a swimmer… And my Doubt Bitch (aka, Gladys) goes on, inside my head: I am a swimmer. But wait. Actually, I am more than just a swimmer. I am a triathlete. I do three sports! Three! Right, but I don’t look like it. Oh geez. I hate this question. I may have taken entirely too long to answer. Maybe. “Oh well,” I started to say. Then I seriously gulped, and said, “Actually, I am a triathlete. I do three things.” (Instantly, I’m like, “Stupid! Who says, ‘I do three things!!'”) Turns out, Chatty McHotTub was super nice, was a triathlete himself, did Louisville a few years ago, and we had a nice little chat and that was that. As I was in the shower, it hit me. I am STILL struggling with owning my athleticism. Still. Un-freaking-real. I actually gulped before I said, “I am a triathlete.” I paused. I hesitated and I let myself feel shy, unworthy and embarrassed right there. After all the stuff I write, all the races and training, and I still *gulp* and say stupid crap when people ask me about my training. I thought I had worked this out already. “I do three things.” Today, I am making it my purpose to “do three [other] things”! These things: 1) Admit to myself that I am a triathlete (and an ATHLETE) 2) Say it out loud, and 3) Once and for all– mean it. So here goes: My name is Meredith. And I am a triathlete. And an athlete. And I mean it. How about you? Are you owning your athleticism? Are you still saying I “just” do _____, instead of I “do”? Are you admitting you are an athlete yet? If no… what is stopping you?
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March 19, 2018
In Case You Missed It
New weekly columns from me every Monday at Women’s Running online.
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March 13, 2018
Dare to Be Kind with Lizzie Velasquez
Lizzie Velasquez was cruelly dubbed “The Ugliest Woman in the World” on a viral YouTube video over ten years ago. She was born with an extremely rare congenital disease called Marfanoid–progeroid–lipodystrophy syndrome that, among other symptoms, prevents her from accumulating body fat and gaining weight. Out of that horrific YouTube incident, rose a fire and a desire in Lizzie to use her talents to become successful, motivate others and show what it means to be kind. Her 2013 inspiring TedX talk, “How Do You Define Yourself” has over 4 million views. Her documentary, A Brave Heart, is a must-watch for everyone -especially those with tweens and teenagers. Her paperback book, Dare to Be Kind, is out now. I truly enjoyed this chance to talk with this amazing woman. Hope you all enjoy the show. Get the Book: Dare to Be Kind: How Extraordinary Compassion Can Change the World Paperback now: https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Kind-Extr... The Documentary: A Brave Heart: The Lizzie Velasquez Story http://imwithlizzie.com https://www.facebook.com/abraveheartfilm Follow Lizzie Website: https://www.lizzievelasquezofficial.com/ TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzPbY... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LizzieVelasq... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlelizziev YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/lizzitac...
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March 10, 2018
Optimal Thrive ATHLETE INTENSIVE
Limited to twelve participants for a program beginning April 4th for intense focus and dedication to performance and personal nutrition for the 2018 racing season. This is as close as it gets to one-on-one nutrition in a group setting for support. Go here to apply : https://form.jotform.com/80444515673155 Developed by and led by Dina Griffin, Registered Dietitian, Board Certified Sports Dietitian and Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist, Level II, along with Meredith Atwood, Metabolic Efficiency Training Specialist, Level I, and USAT Level I and IRONMAN triathlon coach. Who is it for? Open to hard-working, focused and dedicated adult male and female triathletes. Omnivore, Vegan or Vegetarian athletes are encouraged, as well as those with food sensitivities or intolerances. There are no “prescribed foods” – you work with what you can eat and like. Participation in a prior OT program is not required; but an “all-in” attitude and focus is required to make the most of this program. Participants must agree to dedicate five weeks to the program and pledge to make this a priority. Applications are accepted through March 15th at 11:59pm ET. Program Syllabus & Schedule: Pre-Week 1 Athlete completes health history and framework for Dina and Meredith. Must be submitted prior to the start of the program. Final payment due at this time. Week 1 OT Athlete Intensive & Education: Your intense “crash” course in Nutrition Periodization and Metabolic Efficiency Training (TM) with the complete OT Athlete Program revisited. Get all the information you need to build your nutrition base for performance. Homework will be required and dedication and interaction on a daily basis: this is a requirement of the program. The purpose is to ensure your focus and follow-through, as well as your knowledge and mastery of the whole program and health principles of MET. This also covers other important supportive nutrition know-hows such as emotional eating, self-sabotage, snacking and more. Week 2 Race and Training Nutrition Intensive: A deep dive into YOUR training and racing nutrition. Individual support and questions answered for the entire week, including troubleshooting of your race and training nutrition. Week 3 Nutrition Logs, Macros, and Analysis: You solidify and put into practice what you have learned the prior two weeks. Coupled with input, analysis and review of your nutrition and training logs by Dina with Meredith’s assistance. Weeks 4-5 Consult Week(s): One-on-one initial consults with Meredith to address your training and/or racing strategies, prep for the consult with Dina, and then your individualized consult with Dina to help hone in your nutrition. Each consult is 20 minutes via phone or Skype. During Weeks 4-5 you continue to have access to Dina and Meredith for your one-on-one questions, group sharing and intensive work on your nutrition within the framework of the group. Each athlete’s participation will enhance the experience for this tight-knit secret group Bonus: Follow-up joint email communications for two weeks with Dina and Meredith after conclusion of program for one final tweaking of your nutrition and race/fueling plans. Facebook Group: SECRET Facebook group. Dina and Meredith will dedicate time each day to enter the group and respond to questions and comments. Group remains open for two weeks after the conclusion of the program. Pricing: $597 in two installments before the start of program ($1500 Value) What It Also Includes: – The Complete Optimal Thrive Athlete Manual (100+ pages of material) – Weekday homework – Follow-through assignments – Facebook Live Video Q&As – Individual-driven group nutrition coaching for five weeks – Nutritional Consults, Coaching and Feedback from Registered Dietitian and Board Certified Sports Dietitian – Race planning and training focus/deconstruction consults and communication with Tri Coach – Manual Worksheets Include: 1. Bonus Nutrition Refresher 2. Mental Prep, What is OT, OT Tenets 3. Athlete Case Study MET Example 4. What is MET and eNRG Food List 5. What IS Nutrition Periodization for Athletes 6. Hand Model, Intro 7. Hand Model, Continued 8. Carb to Pro Ratio 9. Periodization Plates 10. Real Plate Examples 11. Hunger/Fullness Scale 12. Snacking 13. The ‘F’ Word, Part I 14. The ‘F’ Word, Part II 15. Emotional Eating and Self-Sabotage 16. Touchy-Feely Nutrition 17. Recipes 18. Recipe Sleuthing 19. Nutrition Bombs 20. MET and Travel 21. Sports Nutrition Myth Busting 22. Sports Nutrition, Pre-Training 23. Sports Nutrition, During Training 24. Sports Nutrition, Post-Training / Recovery 25. Hydration and Electrolytes 26. Options for Fueling 27. Bonus: Meal Plan Examples (Includes Vegan/Vegetarian) 28. Race Day Fueling 29. BONUS: Long Distance Race Fueling 30. Real Life Examples (Total Value: $1500) Apply now! Go here to apply : https://form.jotform.com/80444515673155 *Applications are accepted through March 15th at 11:59pm ET. Registration to accepted applicants opens before March 20th Program begins April 4th $597 in two installments due before start *Application process is first come, first registered until we reach the limit of 12 individuals, and the list begins to form from there – the waitlist starting at applicant #13. From there, Dina and Meredith may send clarifying questions to determine eligibility. Finally, as you are invited to register (via email) you will have a period of time to make your first non-refundable deposit; if you do not make that time, then your slot will roll open to the next applicant.
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March 6, 2018
New Kit Day!
Introducing FLIGHT by Tri*Fe. Available NOW in two-piece, one-piece, aero tops and aero suit. Go Shopping
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Why Willpower Doesn’t Work (But a Tesla Might)
Episodes 64 of the Same 24 Hours Podcast is with the author of the just out book, Benjamin Hardy. Ben Hardy is an author and the #1 Writer on Medium.com. I met Ben at a conference last year, and he listened to me ramble about my scrambly-brained ideas about my second book. We decided to record a podcast, and the rest is history. Go here to listen. The big news is, however, his NEW BOOK is out TODAY! And there’s a contest with it. You could win a TESLA. Um, yes. Go here to learn more about the contest! The Book: Willpower Doesn’t Work is available here (but don’t forget to check out the contest and buy your book through that outlet for the chance to win). We rely on willpower to create change in our lives…but what if we’re thinking about it all wrong? In Willpower Doesn’t Work, Benjamin Hardy explains that willpower is nothing more than a dangerous fad-one that is bound to lead to failure. Instead of “white-knuckling” your way to change, you need to instead alter your surroundings to support your goals. This book shows you how. Follow Benjamin: Web: https://www.benjaminhardy.com/home-page On Medium: https://medium.com/@benjaminhardy Twitter: https://twitter.com/BenjaminPHardy
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March 5, 2018
On Punching a Bully in the Nose
I had to punch a bully in the nose a while back. Actually, two of them. One went after me publicly, and I called her on her crap. The other one – well, I’m not going to even give her a blink of time talking about her. But she got it square in the nose, too. (No, I didn’t actually physically hit anyone.) Suffice it to say, I have found that the only way to deal with a bully is not to ignore them. It’s not to take the high road. The only way to deal with a bully is punch them square in the nose. As kids we are told to ignore bullies. But then bullies thrive on the attention, they live on the terror, they live on making someone miserable. If history shows that ignoring them isn’t effective? Well, it’s time to act. Bullying is a buzz-word right now. We hear it in school. We hear it everywhere. I feel like “bully” is too kind of a word and we should be able to straight up call them assholes. “I’ve been a victim of ‘assholing.'” Oh maybe that’s why we don’t. Doesn’t quite work. Today at CrossFit, we had pull-ups on the schedule. I hate pull-ups because I am heavy. Anytime I have to lift my own damn weight off the ground, I cringe. I am heavy, and lifting me is hard. I did the workout. I did my pull-ups with bands, and stayed after for fifteen minutes as usually working on my techinque. I got mad at myself, and I started to say mean things. Why are you so effing heavy? Why is this so hard for you? Why can’t you get it together? Then I got madder. Since I have written this blog, the voice of the mean bitch in my head has existed. She is vile, y’all. Then the CrossFit coach accused me of sandbagging. I was not sandbagging; I was dying. That might look like sandbagging. But cue the next set of bullshit voices: Why are you such a slacker? Why can’t you give more and push harder? If you only weren’t so effing fat and slack and sad and heavy and a mess. I make huge progress in my life, and she comes back. She strikes when I am most vulnerable — wearing Spandex or trying to hoist myself up on a bar of some sort. Then I thought about the way I don’t take shit from anyone else. I punch bullies in the face. I raise questions when something seems unethical. I stop, drop and write. I don’t take crap. But with myself? I take so much crap. I take so much blah blah blah noise out of my own skull, it’s shameful. Don’t get me wrong, the Meredith of 2018 is 1000% better than the Meredith of 2013. In all ways: health, happiness, success, body image, fitness. But that doesn’t seem to wholly quiet the voice of the mean girl. Because like any good bully, the mean girl must be punched in the nose. [Please don’t punch yourself in the face.] There needs to be a drastic movement, moment and cathartic moment. We have “had enough.” We must have “had it up to here” and say, “NO MORE!” Today, I decided to punch her in the nose. I don’t know what that looks like logistically–but I know I am sick of her crap. And this Year of No Nonsense is taking a side mission to get rid of this negative voice, once and for all. I started by telling her to shut up, out loud in the car–like a bona fide crazy person. Then I recounted the amazing things my body just did (CrossFit) and the amazing things that my body was going to do next (run 2 miles). Then I told her all the amazing things that I was going to do in the future, and what a great day it would be. It’s a start. She’s quiet. Hence this blog post. You can find me now on the WEEKLY column, “Just Keep Moving Forward” on Women’s Running. Hooray!
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