Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Wednesday Workout Update - Creepy Guy Edition!

 Sorry to post such a creeper, but I couldn't find a better picture - Google, you let me down!

I joked to my pool buddy Nancy that I was going to start wearing a trench-coat to the pool, and every time someone asked me "where do you get that counter-thing?" I'd whip open one side to show my inventory, all for sale, just like they used to do with watches (well, in the movies. I don't know if they ever did that in real life).  Anyway, I mentioned that because there are now four people at the pool who've bought a lap counter after seeing mine.  Sport Count, are you listening?  LOL.  They could care less.  But it does crack me up, the idea that I'm influencing other people when it comes to purchasing sports equipment.  Because hello, when it comes to sporting goods, I'm not exactly the athletic figure that companies look for to endorse their products.  But maybe I should be...seriously, I could be the every(wo)man!  The non-intimidating athlete.  The person who makes you think "well geez, if SHE can run/swim/yoga/do crossfit, I guess anyone can!" - hey, I might be onto something here.

But I digress.  I actually had a point to this post today.  I know, shocking!  So on Monday, Nancy and I were doing our thang, kickboarding up and down the pool as we yammered.  A woman in another lane called over to us and asked "how do you go so fast?" and of course, we showed her our secret weapons - the swim fins!  I remembered back to when I first started swimming that I was much slower on the kickboard with bare feet.  We must have looked like pool ninjas to her, with our stealthy speed and all (or maybe not - maybe it's just my secret desire to look like a pool ninja?).  Anyway, after Nancy left I swam over and talked to the woman, Denise, and let her try on my fins and take them for a spin.  She was hooked (I'm telling you, they are awesome).

And then she noticed my lap counter on my finger and asked about that, so of course I had to go into my enthusiastic spiel.

And then?  The best part (I know, bad journalism as I'm pretty sure you're not supposed to bury the lead)(good thing I'm not getting graded)(I actually got A's in my journalism classes in college)(ok, enough already!) was when Denise confided to me that she wanted to lose 100 pounds.  And I was so grateful to be able to say back to her "I lost 100 pounds" - and see the look on her face - almost relieved, like "it IS possible" - because I remember how absolutely unfathomable it was to think about losing 100 pounds.  And yet, it can be done - as many of us weight-loss bloggers have shown.  Anyway, long story short (I know, too late) is that Denise ordered herself a pair of swim fins, a lap counter, and a ton of motivation, and I'm looking forward to seeing her every morning at the pool and watching her shrink.  Go Denise!

23 comments:

  1. how can it not feel amazing to know you are here to inspire others.

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  2. You are such an inspiration Shelley, not only to Denise but also to me.

    Monday must have been a great day for you since you were able to help out someone with swimming tips and inspire someone to start her own weight loss journey.

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  3. Fabulous. Hope you don't get tired of hearing that you ARE an inspiration.

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  4. Yep, definitely an inspiration to many more than just Denise! I think you need to contact both companies and tell them your story. you never know what might happen!

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  5. Great story! You really are an inspiration. I can't to hear about her shirnking.

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  6. You are definitely an inspiration Shelley! I have no doubt that you will be the best mentor to Denise!

    And I hope that swim company sends you some free shit! :D

    Hugs!

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  7. Oh cool. I love that she even confided in you about WL. How neat for her to be participating in the same sport as another gal who lost 100 lbs.

    I think Rachel is right, at least contact the companies. Maybe they will at minimum give you some blog giveaways. Or maybe you (and Paco) could do an advert, who knows, gf!

    So proud of you.
    Chrissy
    [and yes, you inspire me, even though I am taking forever to drop the weight.]

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  8. How neat that you got that opportunity to share with that woman! That just doesn't happen that often.

    And now, finally, I want a lap counter! You didn't tell me they went on your finger! That sounds too cool!

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  10. Oh my gosh I got tears in my eyes at the end of the story. See what an inspiration you are?

    You should get some type of commission for all your sports gear stuff - any everyone wanting to be like you! :0)

    Great story!

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  11. Woo Hoo! Great story. You ARE a true inspiration!!!!

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  12. Go, Denise! You CAN do it!!! :)

    You're such a sweetheart, Shelley. You really are. I'm glad to know ya. Keep on swimming, pool ninja.

    Now go do some ninji kicks.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuigcXvcy1A

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  13. Losing 100+ does feel like an impossible feat until you start moving. Glad Denise and I have you for inspiration. Rock on Pool Ninja!

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  14. You definitely are inspiring! you inspire me with every post you write :)

    Jennifer

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  15. You crack me up Shelley. I laughed out loud at the first 2/3 of your post. Then nodded for the last third on being the inspiration.

    You just never know on any given day how you will inspire someone!

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  16. How awesome! What a great experience to be able to help someone that way! You rock!

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  17. Nope .. no name on my bib this time because we run this race with colleagues. It's the name of my company that's on the bib this time.

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  18. that is cool that you are able to mentor someone at the pool and share your love of gadgets with others! I read this blog and this post reminded me of you. I hope you like what she wrote: http://www.nomeatathlete.com/anti-diet/

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  19. I have been out of town...and when I swam yesterday morning in the hotel pool, I thought of you :)

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  20. Yes, I am late to the party, but loved this post. I want to be in your pool with you too.

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