True to my SELF: I watched Jennifer Lopez train for a triathlon

Lucy Danziger, True to my SELF, SELF Magazine
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0908self72dpi

I've got a secret to share. This week, while everyone has been watching Michael Phelps and the gymnasts and all the Olympians inspire them, I got to watch Jennifer Lopez train for her first triathlon, up close and personal. To read all about her training and her reason for doing it, check back here at Self.com on Monday.

Jennifer is a new mom, a busy working superstar singer/actress/entrepreneur, and yet she makes time to train and accomplish this new challenge, at a point in life when most women would use their downtime to nap and rest, since one new baby is often exhausting and here she is with twins. But it became clear, within about two minutes of biking in her wake, what makes SELF's Most Inspiring Woman of 2008 so amazingly inspiring. She has DETERMINATION! Plus she's nice, funny, quick-witted and warm. And her natural athleticism (she was a track star in school) has been reawakened by this new body goal. Jennifer is doing this challenging athletic endeavor to raise money for charity (more details on that next week also), and I am so thrilled to hear it because being your all-around best (SELF's motto) means on the inside (the good person part) as well as on the outside (the beautiful part).

And Jennifer is so SO beautiful! Even without makeup, her skin is porcelain smooth, and with her hair tied back and piled up on her head she has a glamour that is unmistakable. But the outer self, which she gives off to the world around her, is loving and real. I found myself forgetting for a moment that this person is an international superstar (she was as much a new friend in that moment) and then she'd sing a few notes of a certain song she was talking about and it was like an angel's voice. Her transcendant singing voice sets her apart for the rest of us humans.

Knowing I love triathlon and am a huge fan of Jennifer Lopez, people rush up and tell me, "Jennifer Lopez is doing a triathlon!" And as impressive as that fact is, it's not surprising when you meet her or watch her swim, bike and run. She can do anything and everything. So of course she is doing a triathlon.

P.S.: Everyone is talking about Phelps's eating habits and the fact that he chows on 12,000 calories a day. I don't munch nearly that many. But one nice thing about tri training is you can eat dessert, not gain, and get leaner all the while. In fact your body needs the calories to stay strong and healthy. I am trying to include more fish in the mix, even if it's ice cream and brownies I crave. Fish is healthy food. Then I eat the dessert, too! Plus snacks. Between the three meals a day and the extras I probably eat 2,500 daily calories. And my weight is holding steady. So if you want to have a slender look and eat what you want, just work out a little more and add intensity.

Check back Monday for the special Reach Your Goal program right here at Self.com. It's our fourth year offering it and women love it. It's free, easy and fun to do! I'll be on vacation for the next two weeks. More after Labor Day. Have a great end of summer!


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