[lissys]

Hi Everyone,
I'm almost newly diagnosed. I've been struggling with the process for almost three years now and I'm pretty sure I'm celiac. I've always had Reynaud's, last year my rheumatologist thought I was starting lupus (my ANA was 1:1240 speckled - now I know that may be from celiac!) and then I got vitiligo. Just had my biopsies done yesterday. The doctor said he didn't see anything, but the bloodwork was suspect. I was back on wheat for two weeks pre-test so I'm pretty sure! Guess we'll have to see what the biopsy results say. Anyway, regardless of the results I'm going gluten-free. I know how my body reacts!
Four years ago, before I found out I was pregnant, I was training for a sprint tri and loved how healthy I felt. Then I had my daughter and the autoimmune issues jumped up. I've lost a lot of weight (I'm 5'8" and my weight's gone from 200 back to about 145) but I'm not in shape at all - the joint pain has really stopped me. I'm hoping that now I'm off the gluten I can start thinking about starting up again. It's also just a good "get my spirits up" goal. I've been really down on my body with all of this ridiculousness.
So - my husband and I are moving our family to Saipan - a tiny island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (aka Land of the Eternal Bikini). I'm not interested in a weight loss goal per se, but they do have a huge triathlon event there every spring. I figure if I start now I should be ready in a year to complete. Not sure which one I want to shoot for, but either of the first two I think. http://www.tagaman.com/races.asp Anyone want to join me? Not necessarily for this particular race, but for the process of getting ready for one?
Lissy

[CaroCakes]

Lissy-
I realize this is old, but I thought I'd try anyway. I'm extremely interested in getting into triathlons. I'm training with the hopes of a sprint distance triathlon (probably later rather than sooner). I'd love to feel ready enough to compete in a year or so, but I really don't have a timeframe. This is a completely new world to me but I'm excited to learn!
I hope your move went smoothly, moving to a small island must be quite the experience! I hope to hear all about it.
Caroline