I get one step closer and feel like I fall two steps back. But then I guess I should stop and consider that this wasn't a sport built for big girls set on proving to the world that they could "do anything they set their mind to". Still doesn't mean it's easy.
I found out today that they have a special "class" of triathlete for "bigger" people. (Can't you just feel the sarcasm dripping off my air quotes?) They call the men's class Clydesdale and the women's Athena -I love when people try to make the word big sound more PC & sexy- and the whole system is based on being over a certain minimum weight in order to be classified to compete in this sub-section. Wanna take a guess what the minimums are?!? According to USAT Competitive Rules "the minimum weight standard for this category is 200 pounds for men, 150 pounds for women."
I just want it to be noted that I give the USAT classifications a resounding WHAT THE #$&*?!?!?! You must be OVER 150 pounds to be classified as "strange" or "different" for a triathlete? So what do you get when you're well over that?!? Your own designated EMT to run beside you to make sure your fat ass doesn't die? And what's that make me? Was there a ginormo Greek God to liken myself to to make it sound stronger and sexier instead of just saying "triathlete fat"?
I just want it to be noted that I give the USAT classifications a resounding WHAT THE #$&*?!?!?! You must be OVER 150 pounds to be classified as "strange" or "different" for a triathlete? So what do you get when you're well over that?!? Your own designated EMT to run beside you to make sure your fat ass doesn't die? And what's that make me? Was there a ginormo Greek God to liken myself to to make it sound stronger and sexier instead of just saying "triathlete fat"?
It's me, I'm a freak (yeah)
but thanks for lovin' me
Cause you're doing it perfectly
but thanks for lovin' me
Cause you're doing it perfectly
That's right Mr. Lambert, I feel you... hey San Diego Triathlon, welcome to the freak show, nice to meet you. But what the USAT didn't take into account in their stupid classifications is one head-strong, kick-ass, multi-talented, never-say-die chiquiquita that is going to WOMP UP on several of her petite, less-than-Athena class competition (where's my medal for THAT???). And why? Because I can & because I have the best damn support system in the world - amazing coaches, teammates, family & friends - who have stuck by me the whole way & who don't give one flipping iota whether I "look" like a triathlete, or whether my tri shorts/top show my heavily accentuated curves or if my JLo booty jiggles a little when I run my 6.2 miles.... cause these amazing people love me anyways, perfectly, all 150+++ pounds of me. Which at the end of the day has taught me to kindda love myself...
Good job girl, it's about damn time.
Today's Jam: "Whataya Want From Me" by Adam Lambert (For Your Entertainment 2009)
Tri this Emotion: WTF USA Triathlon?!?!
Special Props Go Out To: The incredible ATL Alyssa & Rizzle, my pint-sized twin Marin, the gorgeous Amber Saddlebags Silverman, and JGC Mastermind Sharjeel for their generous donations to support the LLS & bring me to within $100 of my goal!
The Be-All End-All Attitude: And so what if I'm the biggest girl out there? I'M OUT THERE.
I was stoked to be a "Clydesdale"... (Better yet a 40+ Clydesdale)
ReplyDeleteIn some cultures they are considered pretty amazing. Just think Budweiser... You must remember in endurance sports the "elite athletes" (Kenyans etc) are all under 150 lbs. I have not been under 150 lbs since I was 17 years old.
The 40+ Clydesdale division has something like 20-25 people in the entire division... So maybe like summer camp or dare I say special Olympics, everyone gets a medal. But if I know San Diego, all the other Clydesdales will be ex-military and a solid 200+ lbs.
No matter what we have raised a lot of money for a good cause and hopefully have extended the lives of many people... including ourselves (despite the irony of us saying this is killing us).
Good times.
E
Well said Sterzy, well said.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check on the Under 40 Athena #s... maybe that will cheer me up :) One of the few.
You know I gotta comment on this one. I'm so tired of the "fat girl" talk...BOUT TIME you came out swinging, Kate! You ARE out there and doing it; that's more than most people (big or small) can say. To heck with labels and keep doing what you are doing. The point is getting the job done and enjoying (or, at least, learning from) the journey. Keep up the good work, Katie. I am proud of you!
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