I took immediate, corrective action because I did not want to become the Cocoa sipping Lodge Mom who sits next to the fireplace and reads an adventurous book while her family is just on the other side of the glass and actually having an adventure.

I started going to the gym and getting better information about nutrition. I dusted off my old bike and started riding it whenever I could. It started to feel good to have sore muscles at night and to give my body proper fuel to work hard.

I decided that it was time to step up my game and start participating in a competitive activity. Considering that I was no good at swimming, running or biking; but comfortable doing all three...the decision was easy and I began competing in triathlons.

Well, for the first three, I was so slow that the finish line had practically been dismantled by the time I crossed it.

There are actually a couple of funny stories that go along with my initial performances, but eventually, I knew that I wanted a better personal performance.

While collecting my entry package for the Pacific Coast Triathlon, I noticed this strange, lovely, animated red head who was giving a free clinic on fast triathlon transitions. She was so entertaining that I picked up her flyer and later learned that Martha Szufnarowski is a Triathlon Trainer. She is certified by USAT. She has a remarkable and inspiring personal story and an absolute CAN DO attitude.

I have ecommerce sites for my two passions: scuba diving and surfing so I have experience with creating an online presence.

Martha asked for name ideas and I spent a bit of time researching possibilities for her and finally, I found one that I liked: triclub.

Martha respectfully passed on the name in favor of her own cool choice (which is TriLaVie.com) but I had fallen in love with the idea of triclub so I had no choice but to own and develop it into a place where you can learn about all of the triathlon related events going on around the planet. Read training tips from experts and purchase great equipment.

I like the name because being a triathlete does feel like belonging to a club of supportive and interesting people who share many similar goals for their lives; the most important being to live it with health and vitality.

Think of it as a church for your body where good living is espoused by like minded peers.

Think of it as a country club that has less to do with cocktails and more to do with sports nutrition drinks. Think of it as TriClub.

Wishing you health, happiness and adventure,

Melinda Herndon