So...my name is Andy, I am a pastor in Malibu and I am doing my first sprint tri on 9/14.  I have been training for a little more than 6 months and have lost about 60 pounds in the process.  I am new to endurance sports for the most part, with the exception of doing a half-marathon in 05 for Team in Training.  I am trying to get back in shape after slacking following the birth of my son.

My goal for September is 35 miles which is right in line with my increasing capacity, but will be a challenge given that there will be some tapering right before my event.   

Hold on to your Nads - the Okra's are going to clean up this challenge! (I was going to say the Okra's will devour the Nads - but then I thought better.)

Beg, bribe, or coerce someone to be your team captain.

Let me know who it is.

Thanks!

Hi team!  Stopping by to introduce myself...  My name is Pattie and this is my 3rd season doing tris.  Before tris, I showed horses for many years.  Yes, that's me in my avatar pic.  My show horse retired in '05 with a degenerative foot condition and now he lives the life of a king.  I found tris as a result of a running injury.  Isn't that how a lot of us get started? 

In Aug '06, we left MD and moved to our dream farm out here in MN.  The three horses are comfortably retired and my husband and I are having fun doing tris.  He swore that there was no way he could run, but now he's putting in consistent runs and placing well.  For that, I hate him (kidding). 

My run training has been spotty to say the least.  I've been battling injuries the whole time.  Stress fracture in L leg and now IT band issues on the right.  My sports med doc told me to concentrate on getting faster on the bike.  Running for me is about damage control.  I have a du at the end of Sept that I'm training for.  It is a hilly bike course with two 5k runs.  I'm hoping to survive the run and hold my own on the bike. 

Guess that's about all.  Looking forward to meeting everyone.  Go Nads!

Hello everyone!  I'm Beth and I'm a wannabe triathlete!!!!  I am a full time student (graduate in December), mother to 4 teenagers and wife of an IM-in-training.  My goals for this month are going to be pretty low but that is only because I can't guarantee what my teaching schedule will be like. I am a student teacher for junior English at the local high school.  My youngest 2 are sophomores in high school and are on the soccer and cross country teams and are active in scouts.  Oldest doesn't live at home anymore but is around. 18 y/o lives at home is attending the local CC.  He is a music education major and is in the local jazz band and concert band so his schedule will be busy as well.

Hello Andy, Slugger, Pattie, Kristin, and Beth!!!

I am Suzie.  I am an educator at the college level.  I teach sport performance biomechanics, rehabiliation of athletic injuries, among other things.  I did my dissertation research on the hammer throw.  Hence, the screen name.  I also work with our students as a clinician to make sure they are tying in all they learn in the classroom with their roatations in the clinic.  I have been active all my life.  I have been involved with endurance activities since I was a XC and distance athlete in college.  I am using this to help get me back into shape and in a more consistent training pattern.  I diagnosed with thyroid cancer on Mar 17, 2008.  I am 2 months post RAI treatment.  Life is moving forward. 

Andy...How does a paster discuss being on the NADs?  Slugger...jealous of where you live and the coolness of knowing somebody that actually fenced.  Pattie....Horses...cool...I have been approached by Vet Med to help with rehabilitating horses research.  Where do you live in MN? Kristin....congrats on the HIM.  I am envious.  Beth....congratulations on your impending graduation and being able to juggle family with that.  Good luck with your student teaching. 

Morning Nads - one week to go till we drop the Hammer (no, not YOU).  I am willing to Captain this motley crew if no one else is particularly passionate about following up with peeps and tracking miles for Shawn.  Jump in if you would like to nominate yourself - I know from Shawn that he wants these in place midweek or so so that he can stop worrying about that part.

A 

I nominate Revbigdog for team captain.  <raises hand>

Andy-  So cool that you're an (ex)eventer too!  Every once in a while we talk about getting Horse #4 but we haven't looked yet.  I think I'd stick to QH crosses since I'm getting too old for the crazies.  I just have to figure out how to balance tri training with event training.  If I didn't have that pesky thing called a job, I think I could do it. 

Go Nads?!?

Your battle cry is sick and wrong.

G'evening, Team!  Any exciting plans for the long weekend?  None here.  Just a couple long bike rides and getting ready to start the new school year.  Oh, and of course, a run on Monday to start the challenge off right. 

Dear Nads (that is weird to say that),

Please Welcome BunnyB to your team.

Thanks!!

Welcome, Melissa!  Glad to have you along!

Tomorrow starts the challenge.  Let's get in some miles, NADS!

Here's your final roster: