blacksdotri

Results of Nutrition and Exercise

Hi and welcome to my blog. The main purpose of this blog is to inspire and educate other black people to participate in the wonderful sport of triathlon. Triathlon is a sport that challenges you to swim, bike and run all in the same race.  According to USA Triathlon we currently represent less than 1% of the triathlete community http://www.usatriathlon.org/about-multisport/demographics.aspx.  We will delve into the reasons these participation numbers are so low later.

Race and Ethnicity
88.2% are Caucasian/White
3.2% are Hispanic
2.1% are Asian
1.5% are Multi-racial
0.5% are African-American
1.1% are other

I think this low representation is unfortunate as “triathloning” can address so many of “our issues”.  Nearly 60% of African American children can’t swim and are 3X as likely to drown. So guess what?  If mom or dad are afraid of the water, they are going to be reluctant to encourage their son or daughters to swim.

Diabetes is another issue that African American’s are disproportionately affected by.  African Americans are almost 2X times more likely to have diabetes as non Hispanic whites.  Nutrition is an important aspect of being a triathlete.  It is essential to be educated in the right way to get the results and body you desire.  By the right way, I mean staying clear of most of the sugary drinks, bars and gels.  More on the specifics of “real nutrition” later.

Obesity is another problem running rampant in America.  African American women have the highest rates of being overweight or obese compared to other groups in the U.S.  Also African Americans were 70% less likely to engage in active physical activity as Non-Hispanic Whites.

Make no mistake, running, swimming and biking a million miles will not cure diabetes or obesity.  However, with the combination of healthy eating, and exercise these ailments will not be part of your suffering.  Will it be easy?  Hell no!  Is there a magic pill I can take?  I wish!  All I can promise you, is that if you put honest effort into it, educate yourself on the disciplines of nutrition and triathloning, you will be a shell of your former self and feel like Superman in the process (see pic above).

Here we will destroy myths and ignore stereotypes that prevent us from competing in triathlons. You know the myths like blacks can’t swim, we don’t like to get our hair wet, the water is too dangerous and we only like football, basketball and track.

This blog will chronicle my lifestyle of swimming, biking, running and nutrition. My goal is to be an open book with regards to my struggles and triumphs along this path I have chosen.  We will meet, profile and interview other black triathletes from around the globe. As of the writing of this blog, there is not one professional black triathlete in the entire world. I’m hoping to have a part in changing that pitiful statistic one way or another.

My hope is to inter-connect other bloggers, websites, Facebookers etc to share our experiences in the triathlon lifestyle.  Along the way I’ll review books, helpful links, gear, races, nutrition, training programs and anything related to “triathloning”. This blog is NOT only dedicated to people of color, as one cannot operate in a vacuum. There are many wonderful people from all wallks of lifethat have helped and inspired me along my path.

How do we get started?  Run out and buy an expensive pair of running shoes?  Nah.  What about an expensive gym membership?  Slow down there cowboy.  The absolute first step I would take is to read the book Fitness Confidential by Vinnie Tortorich.  Vinnie is affectionately known as “America’s Angriest Trainer” because of the lies and deception in the fitness industry that pisses him off.  Out of all the exercise and diet programs I’ve tried over the years (and I’ve tried them all), he has offered the best information that has made the biggest impact in my life.  The information in Vinnie’s book is the main reason, I was able to finally get down to my high school weight.   Stop everything your doing right now and go read the book.  I’ll be waiting for you when your done with the book.  Welcome aboard…..