Double Dare, Triathablog, and a Bittersweet Goodbye

It all started at Starbucks. Elisa, Amanda, Jenn (she's like our fifth Beatle who stayed out of the spotlight) and I developed Triathablog over Americanos and Wild Sweet Orange Tea (brewed with a bag of Refresh, naturally).

We started this contest to support each other in our attempts to work exercise into everyday life. Physical Challenges came as an afterthought, added to shake up the competition and make things more interesting for our readers.

Unexpectedly, I learned more from the challenges than from the everyday discipline of running. That wasn't my only surprise. I thought 20 minutes of yoga every day would be simple, but it was mentally and physically exhausting. I thought meditating for 30 minutes would be impossible, but I found it was easy and refreshing. I thought running in costume would get easier after the first wave of embarrassment — it doesn't.

The challenges that forced me to break my routine taught me the most. Running at a different time and place wreaked havoc on my running schedule and ended up costing me a couple weeks of points. But, in the long run (HA! I had to use it sometime), I learned to how to break my routine without getting completely off track (AGAIN! I'm ridiculous).

Due to a couple weeks of seemingly constant rain and sickness, I took solace in a gym and in my own apartment. I still kind of hate exercise videos, but I can lift weights, do yoga, and even do a little cardio (jumping jacks, jump rope ... various jump-centric activities) all while watching Gossip Girl. (Or, at least during the commercial breaks — no exercise is worth missing a minute of Chuck and Blair.)

For me, Triathablog's end is bittersweet. The challenges taught me a lot, but, like any good learning experience, I didn't always enjoy them. Sometimes, I loved sharing my thoughts on running with the world. But I'm also looking forward to long runs alone, without having a metaphorical audience looking over my shoulder. (I picture you — our blog audience — like those Verizon Wireless Network people, always there when you turn around ... a quality that can be good and bad.)

Thanks so much to our readers. You've been patient through reports on crosswalks, and you've laughed with me through elf costumes and James Franco daydreams. And thanks to Elisa and Amanda for taking this journey with me. You have been worthy competitors and amazing partners. I've enjoyed our adventure, and I am thankful for your support and for your friendship.