race

Yesterday, I wasn't Carrie — I was number 1463. It was inked on my arm in black. Yesterday, I competed in my first ever triathlon. Put it all together: 1500 metre swim, 40 km bike ride, and 10 km run. Let's just say there were a lot of buff bodies at the race site.

Achieving a goal involves a strange mixture of elation and questioning. For nine months, I trained toward completing a triathlon. On Sunday, the day of reckoning arrived, and the race proceeded almost as I'd imagined it in my dreams: I didn't drown in the lake; I didn't have to change a flat tire by the side of the road; and my legs (and mind) held up during the run.

Whether you want to drop a dress size or finish your first 10K, this fitness plan will get you there in no time.

Who says Twinkies are bad for you? Kansas State University professor Mark Haub lost 26.2 pounds in 10 weeks. His secret? A diet of nothing but Twinkies, Doritos, doughnuts, and other foods high in saturated fats. Haub's cholesterol levels also improved and his body fat percentage went down by 8.5 percent. The professor says he wants to show dieters they can eat treats and still lose weight, but does not advocate an all-junk-food diet. Shame.

Bored of your workout? Triathlons may be for you! Find out why so many are embracing the sport and the benefits of cross-training