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2008-02-13 11:29 AM
in reply to: #1208429

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Pro
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McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
June 2005 - Me as a skinny fat guy (190#). Just a few biscuits away from 200. No muscle tone and a gut (no hair either).

Feb 2008 - 170#, with muscle tone. Still no hair.



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2008-02-13 11:46 AM
in reply to: #1208429

Expert
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Salisbury
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)

I just ran a 1/2 marathon 16 minutes (1:12/mile?) faster than 11 months ago.  Plus this course was MUCH harder with hills & wind.

2008-02-13 12:45 PM
in reply to: #1208429

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Edited by AcesFull 2008-02-13 12:47 PM
2008-02-13 12:55 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Elite
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San Diego
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)

Not sure if this is a success story but,

A few years ago, I chickened out on a whole summer's worth of triathlons (sprints) because I was afraid of the swim. Now, after 3 Ironmans and a Double Iron Triathlon, the swim is by far the most enjoyable part of triathlons.

2008-02-13 1:00 PM
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2008-02-13 1:03 PM
in reply to: #1209816

Expert
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FL
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
madcow - 2008-02-13 1:55 PM

Not sure if this is a success story but,

A few years ago, I chickened out on a whole summer's worth of triathlons (sprints) because I was afraid of the swim. Now, after 3 Ironmans and a Double Iron Triathlon, the swim is by far the most enjoyable part of triathlons.

Awesome. 

I am not enjoying my swimming much at this point although I just started.



2008-02-13 1:10 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Member
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Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
I just started tri-ing last Spring. At the time I couldn't even run to the end of the street without stopping! I had mountain biked before I got married (almost 8 years prior) and was never a strong swimmer. I trained with some of my friends...nothing professional though. By the end of last year I had completed 2 sprint distance triathlons and 3-5K runs. This spring (only one year later) I will be competing in an Olympic Distance Triathlon with Team in Training!! Anything is possible if you tri!!!!!


Jen Smith

I am "Tri" ing to save lives!!
You can help too!!
Visit my website to find out how
http://www.active.com/donate/tntct/tntctJSmith
2008-02-13 1:23 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Veteran
175
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Grand Rapids, MI
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
Great thread - I love reading these stories as well! I spent 10+ years weighing between 230 and 245... decided to train for a triathlon 3 years ago and am now 185. Did my first HIM last August (Steelhead) in just under six hours! I'm loving the lifestyle change - if only I could outlast my energizer bunny daughters (3, 6 and 8).
2008-02-13 1:34 PM
in reply to: #1209373

Master
1748
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Port Moody, BC
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)

couch potato no more - 2008-02-13 8:29 AM oops - forgot to add the pics!

Great googly moogly!!  Other than the kids and the husband, you're going to make a great addition to the BC BT'ers!  That is a really awesome change!

Myself, I lost over 20 lbs and saw a huge improvment in my strength and stamina.  I love this sport, what it's done for me and all the great people involved in it.  I have taken part in a LOT of different sports over the years (as my wife can attest to as the storage locker is full of my unused stuff!) and have never encountered so many friendly and outgoing people! 

2008-02-13 1:47 PM
in reply to: #1209816

Expert
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Newton, MA
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
madcow - 2008-02-13 1:55 PM

Not sure if this is a success story but,

A few years ago, I chickened out on a whole summer's worth of triathlons (sprints) because I was afraid of the swim. Now, after 3 Ironmans and a Double Iron Triathlon, the swim is by far the most enjoyable part of triathlons.

Success, incredible, inspiring - your choice. Double Ironmen get to choose. 

2008-02-13 1:58 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Expert
939
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Newton, MA
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)

My highest weight was 232 and I'm down to 166 now. Went from a tight 38 pant - only because I refused to buy a 40 - to a current 33 or pretty loose 34. When I decided to start running I managed about a mile and change on a treadmill at a 12:00 minute pace. I worked up to 5 miles on the thing and thought it was unbelievable, being as it was the farthest I'd ever run. 2 sundays ago I ran a 10K in 43:10, a 6:57 pace, and that's only about 14 months after that first run. I was shocked, honestly.

I did my first tri last year and  total of 3, 2 sprints and an oly. The first one I did on a crappy road bike. As soon as it was over I started looking around for a tri bike because I knew I wanted to do them for a long time. I'm signed up for my first HIM and IM this year, July and Nov. I can't wait. Although to be honest, I think I like the training even more than the racing.

My proudest moment came this past December. I hate the cold, I don't run outside when it's cold. But I've been running at lunch so I decided to join the gym in the building so I could continue to do that during the winter. So I told people I work with and 6 others decided to join too, and all of them said it was because I was an inspiration. That's 100x better winning some race.



2008-02-13 2:11 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Expert
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Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
Great stories! You're all very inspirational.

I've only been at this for 6 weeks, so take it for what it's worth, but the change since the new year has been incredible for me. I can acutally run again, swim somewhat, and feel good on the bike. Not to mention the 12 lbs I've already lost. Here I sit at work thinking about my next workout... ah, what an addiction!
2008-02-13 2:36 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Master
1639
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Robbinsville NJ
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
Jill awesome pics!

For me this all started as a goof to run a 5k and take $20 from an unathletic, out of shape "talker" I eat lunch with. 1st time I tried to run a 5K (I hated running anything other than the bases growing up) I didn't make it the whole time. 6 months later a whole bunch of us had run a few 5k's and completed a version of a triathlon. Never would've imagined it.

5k now at 21 minutes as a PR and finished 39th out of 117 in my Tri. Just crazy.

To follow up another point on one of the posts don't worry about times compared to others for any of the disciplines. Unless you are one of the top few people it's not that relevant. It's all about knowing you did what you can/what you wanted to on that day and taking joy in it.
2008-02-13 2:54 PM
in reply to: #1209816

Veteran
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Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
madcow - 2008-02-13 12:55 PM

Not sure if this is a success story but,

A few years ago, I chickened out on a whole summer's worth of triathlons (sprints) because I was afraid of the swim. Now, after 3 Ironmans and a Double Iron Triathlon, the swim is by far the most enjoyable part of triathlons.



I would call that a success. What was the key to your turn around? I am just begining and the swim already concerns me.
2008-02-13 3:00 PM
in reply to: #1210253

Elite
3235
2000100010010025
San Diego
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
rxman - 2008-02-13 12:54 PM
madcow - 2008-02-13 12:55 PM

Not sure if this is a success story but,

A few years ago, I chickened out on a whole summer's worth of triathlons (sprints) because I was afraid of the swim. Now, after 3 Ironmans and a Double Iron Triathlon, the swim is by far the most enjoyable part of triathlons.

I would call that a success. What was the key to your turn around? I am just begining and the swim already concerns me.

I would say, I learned how to relax in the water. It seems the more you fight the water, the more tired you get. The more you relax, the faster and longer you can swim.

I also found out that it is almost impossible to drown in a wetsuit.

That helped a bunch!!!



Edited by madcow 2008-02-13 3:01 PM
2008-02-13 3:15 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Extreme Veteran
664
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Vancouver BC
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
hey - thanks for all of your stories everyone - VERY inspiring!!! I am always amazed at how quickly our bodies (and minds) adapt!

Madcow - that is more than a 'success' in my books - kudos to you!

Jill


2008-02-13 3:29 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Champion
5575
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Butler
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)

Luckily my weight has never gotten out of hand (240 max but I am 6'7" now about 210ish).  About 6 yrs ago was was basically doing nothing and the company I work for has a gym on site so I decided to go for a jog one day with a co-worker.  Probably moved 2 miles but walked a majority of it.  Decided enough of that.  A few years later I started up again and it stuck.  I was never really slow either but steadily increased my distance.  I believe my first 5k was 4 years ago and finished in 31:00 but was sick and had to run on the sand in florida so not a good gauge.  Next race went about 27:00 and have gotten down to 21:59.

Jump ahead to May of 06 and I decided to start swimming just for a change of pace and really had no tri asperation at this point.  My first day in the pool was 4X25 with head out of water and can't even imagine the time it took.  In August I found a pool tri which I thought would not be that bad so in September I signed up about 5 weeks before the race and bought a bike.  At this point I had not ridden a bike in years and still could not swim the 300mtr distance of the race.  I barely managed the 300m a month before the race in 8:45 I think.  2 days later I went back to the pool and said that I would not stop swimming I made 750yds before I got bored and was not tired.  2 days later 1500 and still not tired something just clicked.  The bike was never really a problem even though I only rode about 5 or 6 times before the race. 

The race was 300m, 12.5miles and a 5K I finished in around 1:13 80th place and was hooked.  I raced the same course 3 times now and have improved each time to 1:11 and 1:07 a year later.

My swim times are generally 1:50 100/yd avg and have pulled out a 1:20 100 (once).

I am very happy with were I have come in almost 2 years although I continue to eat like crap.

2008-02-13 3:38 PM
in reply to: #1208429

Veteran
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Springfield, NJ
Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)

In 18 months here's where I ended up:

Weight went from 224lbs down to 162lbs

Waist went from 42 in. down to 31 in.

Swim - couldn't swim more than 50yds in 2 minutes, now can easily do 1.2 miles at 1m40sec/100yds

Bike - could bike about 10 miles @18mph, now can bike 56 miles @21+mph

Run - couldn't even run 1/2 mile straight, now can easily do 10+ miles at 8m30s/mile

Plus I feel more gooder!

 

2008-02-13 3:40 PM
in reply to: #1208741

Master
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Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
Bossman - 2008-02-13 12:36 AM

  • . . I'm now under 2:00 per hundred with a very efficient stroke . . . I ran 5.2 miles this morning at a 10 minute mile pace (and it was hilly and 18 degrees.

  • Although my times may be slower than a lot of people around here, they are now respectable. I put them in here because I'm proud of them, not because they are good based on other people's standards, but because they are by mine. Do the same for yourself, use your times and distances to strive for consistent improvement, and don't worry about how fast other people are. They started somewhere too!

    Good Luck!



    Your times are pretty darn good if you ask me! Congratulations on the payoff from your hard work!
    2008-02-13 3:56 PM
    in reply to: #1208429

    Expert
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    Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
    About 4 months in to prep'ing for first tri in May.

    --First day in the pool...gasping for breath after 40 yards. did a total of 320 yards in an hour and was exhausted.....

    --Bought Total Immersion book and dvd after a month of struggling.

    --Yesterday swam 1900 yards in 54 minutes...could have kept creeping along at that pace but the pool closed.


    First run.....ran a mile in 10:40. Hated every minute.
    3 weeks ago did a 30 min run and kept a 7:55/mi pace.

    2008-02-13 4:51 PM
    in reply to: #1208429

    Champion
    5781
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    Northridge, California
    Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
    Used to run (and swim) in the 70s to early 90s, but gradually stopped and gradually gained about 80 lbs (by 2004). Around 2000--when I turned 40--I had chronic post-tibial tendonitis in my left foot so bad that I was starting to use a walking stick and was convinced I'd never do anything more than short hikes for exercise.

    When my wife and I went on a cruise with my parents at the holidays in 2003, I was disgusted that I could barely keep up on an easy sea kayaking excursion and that I couldn't fit into a suit jacket I'd brought for the ship's formal dinner night...had to hurriedly move a button. I was even more disgusted with how I looked in the souvenir photo taken that night.

    In January 2004, I was about 240 lbs (I'm 5' 10.5") and had the sleep apnea and acid reflux problems that so many obese people develop. So I decided to change things...

    --Four months of just changing my diet
    --Then started walking every day...first 20 minutes, then up to an hour
    --After eight months, started running up short inclines, then for 1/4 miles, then for 1/2 miles, mixed into my walks

    In late 2004, I tried my first timed one mile run...I barely finished in about 10 minutes.

    Now?

    I'm down to the upper 160s...I reached as low as 161.5 over the summer (78.5 lbs lost), but have settled in betw. 165 and 169 (and have kept my weight there for over a year now). I've run open mile runs in the 5:55-6:05 range, finished a marathon without walking at all before mile 22, and just did an 18-mile road race at an 8:49/mile pace with no walking. Three tris under my belt, incl. one AG win. No more GI issues...resting HR is down from up around 90 to about 54 as I close in on age 48.

    And along the way, my wife got inspired and got off the couch (and into Weight Watchers) and dropped from 196 to 139...and started bike commuting, running, and doing tris.

    Just over 3 yrs ago I could barely finish a mile run and now I've got every reason to believe I'll run my first sub-4 marathon three weeks hence...and if I don't, I know it won't be because I didn't earn myself the possibility of honestly thinking I could.

    No coaches. No diet plan. Didn't spend a fortune...because we don't have a fortune to spend. Just listened carefully to my body, used common sense, did my homework, and exercised self-control.

    And--above all--stayed patient through the rough spots.

    Good luck!

    Edited by tcovert 2008-02-13 5:00 PM


    2008-02-13 8:14 PM
    in reply to: #1208429

    Master
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    Royersford, PA
    Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
    I went from a 135 X-country/Track runner in high school to a 230 pound blob. One day I looked at a picture of myself and counted 5 chins and decided something had to change. I stepped on a treadmill about 2 weeks later as part of a weight loss challenge at work and never looked back. Now I am a healthy 170 pounds and can actually stand to look at myself in the mirror.
    Several months after that transformation began, I signed up for an completed a 5 mile race (43 min) and then my first triathlon. The running race I did OK, but the triathlon........ I was bottom 10%, had the second slowest bike split of the day, having to get off my bike and walk up several hills on that 10 mile ride. But I was so hooked on the feeling of accomplishment and pride that I had stuck it out to the end, that I have stuck with it for 5 more years and counting. Now I can run a marathon (or 5), can pull a 21 MPH bike split and can even break a 7 minute mile on occasion and am almost competitive. I have completed IMFL and have the amazing good fortune to win a lottery spot an get to compete and cross the line at Kona
    This sport can take you so many places and teach you so many things. Enjoy the journey, where ever road may take you.
    2008-02-13 8:30 PM
    in reply to: #1208429

    Extreme Veteran
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    Vancouver BC
    Subject: RE: inspire with your 'success progress stories' :)
    WOW!!! Really inpsirational you guys!!!! Congrats!!!
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