How do ya'll do it??

Kimenem

Kimenem

Cathlete
I'm reading all the stuff posted about the RT and I see how many of you have formed long lasting true freindships, some with many, many miles in between. I wanted to go to the RT but would be WAY too shy in a situation like that. I used to have many issues with self esteem when I was younger, and still do to some degree. I'm TALL (5'11") and let's face it, kids can be mean. I had people call me such wonderful things in high school (amazon is the one I HATE most) and, even to this day, the kids where I work - juvenile delinquints, will laugh at my height. It still gets to me. I don't think it's really that funny but whatever. ANYWAY, I SO want to go on the RT next year but just can't imagine putting myself out there. I'd love to have a picture with Cathe and her crew but know I would tower over them and would feel so awkward. Plus, a lot of you already seem to know each other and had roomies all set up. Anyway, I applaud you all for being able to do it...I'm just wondering HOW? How do you get over the insecurities? I read Heather's wonderful post and she has done it! CONGRATS TO HER!!! The RT looked like so much fun too. I'm definitely going to try and get in next year, I'll just have to make a friend go with me :)
 
I definately understand where you are coming from. I am pretty shy myself until I get to know a person. There are some women here whom I've bonded with via the forum and would feel pretty comfortable rooming with and hanging with during the RT. I think that's the key. A good way to get to know folks here is to join a check in thread. That's how I've gotten to know people better and have found a comfort level with them as well as some level of friendship too. :)

HTH some.
 
I had met the Atlanta people before the trip, thanks to Teresa forming the Atlanta Cathe Fans group, but mostly how I met people at the RT was this: I made sure that I sat at a different table, with a different group of people, for every single event. I also did the same thing on the bus, trying to sit with as many different people as possible. And a few times I did feel kind of shy, but I just took a deep breath and introduced myself. Everyone was so nice and so friendly and I met so many wonderful people.
 
The check-ins are in a separate area that is actually labeled "check ins and challenges". You should see it on the main page of the forums. If you don't see it there then use the drop down menu to choose a forum and it should definately be there at or towards the bottom!:)
 
Kimenem -

Oh yeah, I'm 5'10 - so I relate to the tall PLUS I was overweight growing up, so I had a double whammy. I don't know if it's ever actually something you get over. It's more like you learn to live with it and then you learn to not let it conquer you. It's all about taking things one step at a time, one day at a time. Knowing that a set back doesn't mean failure, and if something is truly worth having, it's worth risking a lot to get it. I think each time you put yourself out there is easier than the last.

I do not want to speak for Heather, but I did read her post "revealing" herself before the roadtrip. She's a lovely, incredible woman who is battling her way through self doubts, but she's doing it. I do not think she would say that she's done it - but that she's working on it. She's definitely someone to admire and respect.

The fabulous thing about the Catheites is that we are all different. Tall, short, incredibly ripped, incredibly not, loud, quiet, opinionated (well, I think that's most of us LOL)... But, I've found that when it really counts, the women of this board step up to the plate. I think you should try for the road trip next year. You may surprise yourself.
 
Kimenem - Please try to go next year! Don't worry about being shy. A lot of us roomed with people we had never met before. I had only met one person before this trip. We had a Roadtrip check-in beforehand that really helped too, because everyone was able to introduce themselves and get to know each other. Then, once we got there, we all sought each other out and found that it was like we had known each other for years. I was looking at some of my pics (I have a bunch up on my picture trail) and commented to my DH that it looked like we had all been to a dozen road trips together, but really I only met those gals that weekend. And you know if you go now, I'm going to have to look for you and make sure you've got someone to sit with etc! :)

p.s. Us tall girls have to stick together! I towered over all of Cathe's crew too, just look at tiny Cede in my avatar!
 
Everyone towers over Cathe and the crew!

No fears. I'm willing to bet every woman there has had some kind of issue in their life and that they overcome that issue by working out with Cathe. I know I do. You can do it to. I hope you get to go on the next trip.
 
Thanks for the replies everyone. I do think I am going to try and go next time. It just looked like SO much fun! Out of all the pictures that have been posted, I don't think I've seen a "bad" picture of ANYONE! I've also been reading the posts regarding different ways to actually get in on the RT next year. I didn't realize what a challenge it was. Now I know why!

Kim
 
I made a friend for life at the 2005 RT. She's six feet tall & I'm 5'3" (see my picture trail for evidence :p ). Christine, feel free to chime in if you want. ;-)

I don't think there was any discomfort, nervousness or self consciousness on anyone's part about our own personal flaws. We are all our own worst critics & see ourselves differently than others see us. But what I remember most about the RT was the instant comraderie we all felt toward each other. Who knew 100+ women could get together & there not be a hint of cattiness? :)
 
I'd love to have a picture with Cathe and her crew but
>know I would tower over them and would feel so awkward.

Ha ha, I am laughing (at me, not you) as I recall my pictures with Cathe on the last road trip. I am just under six feet tall and next to Cathe, as well as the rest of the crew, boy, was I tall! You can see in the pics that I am leaning over a little and even then, I have to have 8 - 10 inches on most of them.

It's a funny thing, being tall. People make their comments, rude and otherwise, but in the end, most will be honest and tell you that they ENVY you for it. I finally grew into it and embraced it. It was easier when I felt more fit, granted, but now I stand tall, wear heels almost every day and (gasp!), even date a guy that is a tad bit shorter than I (what a "no no" this was in years past!).

There's no reason for you to feel like you can't come to the road trip. The thing I enjoyed most about it (I went to #1) was that there were people there of all shapes and sizes, personalities, etc. and I don't think that anyone was feeling as though they didn't belong. It was just a great girl's exercise weekend with lots of great people and memories.
 
It's funny that you mention heels. When I was younger (35 now), I would always wear flats. But I got so mad that there were so many cute shoes and boots (I LOVE boots!!!!) that I was keeping myself from. So now I DO embrace the heeled shoes. I try to stay under 3 inches though :)

I agree that when I feel more fit, it's easier to deal with the height. I have had many people say to me that they wish they were tall. I know when I gain weight, it's harder for people to notice becasue it spreads more. ;-)

Thanks again you guys!
 
I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I connected with a lot of people in the pre-road trip checkin. I also had the pleasure of meeting some people from Atlanta ahead of time (as Jodi mentioned). I am normally shy and also have body image issues, but it is so easy to just relax around people who are so like minded. No one is judging you. You realize that everyone is feeling the way you do, so it's easier to put it behind you. I have made some friends for life on this trip...I just wish it would have lasted a bit longer. :)
 
You've gotten some fantastic replies already but I just wanted to add that joining a check in is a fantastic way to "get comfortable" with fellow Catheites. All the ladies at the RT were so awesome and definitely approachable. Yes, there were groups who tended to hang out together there (that's natural) but everyone was still very approachable and I met some incredible beautiful women, inside and out. There were lots of tall ones too. If you have a physical characteristic, (Like your height) that makes you feel awkward and uncomfortable, my advice is to make light of it. Instead of slouching away or avoiding people, stand tall and laugh about it:7
and let people laugh with you:7 :7 :7 Give it a try!

ShellyC
 
I'm pretty shy myself, but I think I would do the roadtrip thing if I had the extra cash to spend and a husband who wouldn't give me a WTF if I said I was going. The women, excuse me, people on this forum (sorry Dave) are so friendly and there's already a common interest. That's 90% of the battle right there.
 
Ahhh to be tall.

I will admit, I did and still do, stare at tall women all the time. Why, b/c I think it's sexy and always wished I were at least 5'8". But I know better now. We are sexy no matter what height we are.

When I was a teenager all I wore were heels 4" or higher. I don't think I'm short at all, but my dh always teases me and say I should be on the "yellow brick road" :D. only b/c I keep telling everyone I'm VERY tall.

So like Timber99 who embraces her height, try to do the same b/c some of us (ME) wished we had height. It's not always so easy trying to find someone in a dept. store to help you when you need something from a shelf a few inches higher than you }( .
 
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