As you might know, I am a thinker and a planner so I needed to figure out how to overcome this fear I had of competing. Why was I afraid? Because I was alone out there in the ring. I had no trainer to coach me, I had no parents riding next to me. I felt alone. So, I searched for something I could take with me to give me the heart and courage to go out there and kick butt. I found it in a cat.
A million years ago, when I was seven, there were these toys called Littlest Petshop. To this day, I will never understand who thought it was a good idea to make tiny little plastic creatures to play with, but whatever, I had the cats. I believe there were three of them in my set. Two of them were average, but beautiful cats. And then there was the fat cat. Looking all fat and happy. He looked like his only care was where to score some milk and a nap. He looked so content. And so I chose him to accompany me. He would be my entourage, my friend, and if I had any doubts, I knew he had me covered. He was my pocket-sized heart and courage. I took him to every show, in that fancy habit, and I will swear to this day he helped me at every one.
Fast forward to college, when I decided public speaking was my new "thing." I wore a suit at all my events and I had to make sure I purchased a blazer with a pocket or it was a no-go. Fat Cat must be with me. And he was. As I went through college with my speeches, he was always there. My heart. My courage. My reminder that I am never alone in my endeavors.
Today, you better believe that Fat Cat is at every triathlon. Every single one. He comes in my triathlon bag with me, and lives in Jeff's pocket if I'm really nervous, like at Ironman. You can not help but smile and feel a sense of relief when you see that little guy. He's a plastic cat, but to me, he is so much more.
So where is this going, you might ask? Well, this season I am honored to be sponsored by Coeur Sports. Initially, I was on board because I love Kebby Holden and I will support just about any endeavor she decides to take on. I knew her passion for the sport, and I knew she was exactly the person I wanted to know was standing behind me at races. It didn't hurt that I was sure she was on to something really awesome with her female-specific triathlon gear. But I had no idea what would evolve here...
I first started out obsessed with the Chevron tri top/bottoms. Honestly, they could have been made of sandpaper and I would have worn them due to how adorable they are! BUT. OH. MY. GOODNESS. The tri bottoms fit like they were custom made just for you. In fact, I thought they were, but it turns out that Coeur just really knows their stuff. They have one panel in the crotch area so you know what? Chafing? What's that? It is genius. And they have large leg holes for my cyclist legs and you don't even realize you are wearing them! I'd like them in every color, for every day. The tri top is wonderful as well and really takes the guess work out of the whole thing. You don't need a sports bra, and there's no need to worry about where to put your stuff because there's pockets!! Yeehaw!! And, of course, it's a matching set. I have never felt so adorable at a race. I get nervous about rocking skin tight stuff, but it's so well made that you are covered. It's fitted, but it's not tight in all the wrong places like a lot of the stuff out there. Perfection.
Last Saturday, on my birthday(insert many exclamation points here), I decided to go for a run. I had just ordered the Coeur Chevron run shorts and saved them for my birthday run(duh). Honestly, I am kind of a running shorts snob. I have SO many pairs and of all of those, I have maybe two pairs I am okay with. So starting out, I was slightly skeptical. But Coeur did it again. They are so figure flattering, and have a great yoga-type waist band. The material is great. It dries so quickly and is buttery soft, I swear. It almost looks like a skirt upon first view, and it flows like one too, but it's shorts! The built in underwear are made for an athlete, you know, one with a larger behind. Like me! Represent! And there are two pockets. TWO! That's one for my key and also one for my Chapstick. Winning.
If you have read this far, I want to share the real reason I am writing this. As I was running on the best day ever(my birthday), I realized that Coeur is my Fat Cat. When I am in their gear, I am stoked that it is so well made. I love to be comfortable, adorable and confident. But, more than that, I want to not feel alone. I love competing so much because I love the energy of the crowd, the cheering, the crowds of spectators, and the feeling that you are part of something great. I feed off of that. With Coeur, I feel that every time I wear it. I might be out on a run, all alone, but I get to carry the entire brand with me. A brand that represents everything that I want to be. A brand of women with heart and courage, and so much of it that they share it! Coeur Sports goes way beyond well-made, adorable clothing. Coeur represents the woman I want to be in this sport, and I am so honored to be a part of it. Coeur isn't Starbucks, with the pre-made cookie cutter items on the menu. Coeur is your favorite coffee shop, where the owners make your coffee exactly the way you want it, they know your name, and you feel great every time you are there. I hope all you wonderful women out there give it a tri!
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