Kenj - triathletes in training CLOSED
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2012-04-02 7:43 AM |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: Kenj - triathletes in training CLOSED NAME: kenj/ Ken Johnson STORY: I am 47 years old and live in upstate NY in the Finger Lakes region, near Rochester. In early 2006 I decided I had enough of being overweight. At the time I weighed about 285 at 5 feet 8 inches tall so I was in rough shape. I played mens league hockey once a week and was struggling to keep up with guys that when I was younger and in better shape I had no problem staying with. So I decided to do something about the weight and started Nutri-system. Part of the program included 30 minutes of working out per day. Did not matter if it was walking, weights, or whatever got me moving. For the most part I walked on the treadmill. By early spring I had lost about 50 pounds so when I was able to move outside I started running some. By the end of the summer I was down almost 90 pounds, but was struggling with achilles issues running every day so I picked up a bike and started riding some. Found BT and connected with some local members and started doing some 5ks and thought about tris. The wildcard was the swim, but I joined the local masters group with the encouragement of Dexter and I learned to swim, sort of. I did my first tri in June of 2007, another in July and decided watching IMLP that year on the net to sign up for 2008. Probably not the recommended way of getting to that distance, but I downloaded a plan from BT and finished with a respectable time. Since then I have done several halfs, many more sprints and oly's and another Ironman in 2010. Currently the weight drops during the season and I let it creep up a little during the winter but I am safely past the 5 year mark and happy with the way I am maintaining my health and weight.
I do like the gadgets too, so if someone has a question on a training tool, odds are I have tried it or know someone who has. THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2011 I focused more on sprints, with the only exception being Musselman half iron distance. It is a local race. I was planning to run a marathon in October, but the IT band issues derailed that.
WEIGHTLOSS: I will push to get to a lower race weight in 2012 than I have been in the past. I think it will help with the bike and run and make my goals more attainable. WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: I think I will be a good mentor as this will be my 4th group. I enjoy working with both experienced triathletes looking to go to a longer distance, or just looking for a group to offer them support. I also have enjoyed seeing new athletes set goals and put a plan together to accomplish their first triathlon, regardless of their experience. From weight loss to racing, I have done a lot right and a some things wrong and I think that experience is something I can share with others trying to figure this out. Additionally, I love triathlon and enjoy not only the training, but the positive support that most people in this sport offer each other. These mentor groups are a great way to continue this support away from the race venues and especially in the off season! I also know that a few folks from my past groups will probably join in and since they could probably run their own group if they chose to, their experience helps lift the entire group and they are all good at sharing their experiences. I look at the mentor as not necessarily being the person with all the answers, but being responsible for keeping people focused and moving towards their goals. Although I travel occasionally, I am usually pretty quick to respond to posts which I think helps keep the group focussed! |
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2012-04-02 10:35 AM in reply to: #4124117 |
Member 150 Rochester | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Ken I would love to join up. I also live by Rochester. |
2012-04-02 11:31 AM in reply to: #4124117 |
New user 239 Walterboro | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN I want back in. Need to keep up with you on the way to IMFL. |
2012-04-02 12:06 PM in reply to: #4124527 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN peterflagg - 2012-04-02 11:35 AMKen I would love to join up. I also live by Rochester. Good to have you with us! Especially being local! I have some folks from our last group joining us too, hopefully Kirk will as he is also local |
2012-04-02 12:08 PM in reply to: #4124683 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Wesley12 - 2012-04-02 12:31 PM Absolutely! Going to be a fun journey! Could you guys post bios please!I want back in. Need to keep up with you on the way to IMFL. |
2012-04-02 12:22 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Elite 3515 Romeoville, Il | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN I would like back in too. My race season hasn't even started yet, and I have some pretty lofty goals I'm going to need help with! NAME: Meulen/Brian STORY: I'm 37years old. I had an athletic background in HS/College. I played baseball, basketball and golf in HS and played golf in College. I weightlifted through College and ended up pretty bulky. That bulk turned to fluff pretty quick after that. I was basically your typical party animal kid through my twenties. I got married at 24 and continue to pack on lbs. till I was in my 30's. I ended up being north of 215 (I quit weighing after that in denial! ). At 6' 1" with a small frame I was pretty pudgy. It was about 4-5 years ago I finally said enough. I got back into the gym and started trying to lose weight. I then bought a hybrid bike to ride around the block because I was too heavy for my knees to run much. It was about 4 years ago I did my first indoor tri. I could barely swim across the pool! I met some poeple mountain biking after that and they sucked me into mtb racing for a year. The following year I came back to tri's and have been here ever since. My first outdoor (real tri) was Xterra Ft. Custer 3 years ago. I've done several since then, the biggest being Racine 70.3 last season. Through it all I now weigh 170lb and have been as low as 163 on race day!! FAMILY STATUS: I'm married to my AWESOME and BEAUTIFUL wife Anne Marie. She's in my cornor at every event and she even does some training and racing with me. Couldn't ask for anything more! THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2011 I cut down the number of races I did from the prior year and focussed on two races, the Illinois marathon and Racine 70.3. Both were firsts for me in these distances. The marathon went rather well for me, but Racine beat me up! I'll be looking for revenge on this race this year. 2012 RACES: So far I'm signed up for an early half marathon in May and Racine 70.3 in July. I'll be adding a couple Oly's and maybe an Xterra or two along the way for training. Work has gotten significantly more demanding for me lately so my dreams of training for an ironman are on the wayside. WEIGHTLOSS: I'm definitely one that struggles with weight. I just lost 10lbs to get back to 170. I'd like to be more close to 160 and possibly under this year. I've been using livestrong.com to log my food and excercise. WHY I'M HERE: I've recently been hitting some walls in my training that I could use all the help and extra motivation to get over. I was in GoGoGo's group a couple years ago and he mentioned this group to me. Edited by Meulen 2012-04-02 12:23 PM |
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2012-04-02 12:27 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Expert 684 Bend, OR | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Hi, I'd like to join your group, if you'll have me. I'm entering into my third year of triathlons and looking for a little virtual support for going faster and longer. I was in a beginner group two years ago and loved it... |
2012-04-02 12:33 PM in reply to: #4124858 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Meulen - 2012-04-02 1:22 PMI would like back in too. My race season hasn't even started yet, and I have some pretty lofty goals I'm going to need help with! NAME: Meulen/Brian STORY: I'm 37years old. I had an athletic background in HS/College. I played baseball, basketball and golf in HS and played golf in College. I weightlifted through College and ended up pretty bulky. That bulk turned to fluff pretty quick after that. I was basically your typical party animal kid through my twenties. I got married at 24 and continue to pack on lbs. till I was in my 30's. I ended up being north of 215 (I quit weighing after that in denial! ). At 6' 1" with a small frame I was pretty pudgy. It was about 4-5 years ago I finally said enough. I got back into the gym and started trying to lose weight. I then bought a hybrid bike to ride around the block because I was too heavy for my knees to run much. It was about 4 years ago I did my first indoor tri. I could barely swim across the pool! I met some poeple mountain biking after that and they sucked me into mtb racing for a year. The following year I came back to tri's and have been here ever since. My first outdoor (real tri) was Xterra Ft. Custer 3 years ago. I've done several since then, the biggest being Racine 70.3 last season. Through it all I now weigh 170lb and have been as low as 163 on race day!! FAMILY STATUS: I'm married to my AWESOME and BEAUTIFUL wife Anne Marie. She's in my cornor at every event and she even does some training and racing with me. Couldn't ask for anything more! THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2011 I cut down the number of races I did from the prior year and focussed on two races, the Illinois marathon and Racine 70.3. Both were firsts for me in these distances. The marathon went rather well for me, but Racine beat me up! I'll be looking for revenge on this race this year. 2012 RACES: So far I'm signed up for an early half marathon in May and Racine 70.3 in July. I'll be adding a couple Oly's and maybe an Xterra or two along the way for training. Work has gotten significantly more demanding for me lately so my dreams of training for an ironman are on the wayside. WEIGHTLOSS: I'm definitely one that struggles with weight. I just lost 10lbs to get back to 170. I'd like to be more close to 160 and possibly under this year. I've been using livestrong.com to log my food and excercise. IWHY I'M HERE: I've recently been hitting some walls in my training that I could use all the help and extra motivation to get over. I was in GoGoGo's group a couple years ago and he mentioned this group to me. Absolutely in Brian! Welcome in for part two! |
2012-04-02 12:35 PM in reply to: #4124873 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN n.k - 2012-04-02 1:27 PM Welcome to the group Nole! Post a.bio when you can Hi, I'd like to join your group, if you'll have me. I'm entering into my third year of triathlons and looking for a little virtual support for going faster and longer. I was in a beginner group two years ago and loved it... |
2012-04-02 1:26 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Regular 89 | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Ken, I would like to stay in. |
2012-04-02 2:19 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Veteran 200 Bradford, PA | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Mind if I join up for another go-round Ken? |
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2012-04-02 2:55 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Expert 1146 Chugiak, Alaska | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Ken - I'm in for a 3rd round! NAME: Robin CURRENT TRAINING: I have been sidelined from running due to plantar fasciitis in my left foot since September. Through PT and time it is slowly healing and am now running a few minutes a couple times of week. I am currently biking 4x a week and swimming 2-3x. 2011 races: I completed 2 sprint tris and my first ever Half marathon last sumer. Moved to Anchorage Alaska in July and that pretty much ended my season as the move was rather complicated. WEIGHT LOSS: The move to AK has been hard on my waistline! I am up about 10 pounds from my race weight last May. I do very well during the week, however I seem to sabotage all the hard efforts on weekends. This is something I need to work on as I would love to get back down to where I was last May and maybe even lower!
I was a member of Ken's 2011 summer and winter groups and am really excited that he decided to continue on - yeah! I look forward to meeting all the new folks! |
2012-04-02 3:23 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Member 12 | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN I'm in the Buffalo area and will be racing my first race in June. I'm at work, but I'll post my info when I get home. Thanks! -Erin |
2012-04-02 4:15 PM in reply to: #4125056 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN russrisher - 2012-04-02 2:26 PM Good deal Russ, glad to have you back! Post a bio for those of us not in the group last time! Thanks!Ken, I would like to stay in. |
2012-04-02 4:17 PM in reply to: #4125208 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Trout - 2012-04-02 3:19 PMMind if I join up for another go-round Ken? Good to have you back Steve! How has your training been going? Give us an updated bio when you can! |
2012-04-02 4:19 PM in reply to: #4125342 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN robingray_260 - 2012-04-02 3:55 PM Glad to have you here with us again Robin! Thanks!Ken - I'm in for a 3rd round! NAME: Robin CURRENT TRAINING: I have been sidelined from running due to plantar fasciitis in my left foot since September. Through PT and time it is slowly healing and am now running a few minutes a couple times of week. I am currently biking 4x a week and swimming 2-3x. 2011 races: I completed 2 sprint tris and my first ever Half marathon last sumer. Moved to Anchorage Alaska in July and that pretty much ended my season as the move was rather complicated. WEIGHT LOSS: The move to AK has been hard on my waistline! I am up about 10 pounds from my race weight last May. I do very well during the week, however I seem to sabotage all the hard efforts on weekends. This is something I need to work on as I would love to get back down to where I was last May and maybe even lower!
I was a member of Ken's 2011 summer and winter groups and am really excited that he decided to continue on - yeah! I look forward to meeting all the new folks! |
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2012-04-02 4:20 PM in reply to: #4125415 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN adkgeocacher - 2012-04-02 4:23 PM Good to have another local Erin! Looking forward to reading your bio!I'm in the Buffalo area and will be racing my first race in June. I'm at work, but I'll post my info when I get home. Thanks! -Erin |
2012-04-02 4:40 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Expert 684 Bend, OR | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN NAME: n.k/Nole - Age: 29
LAST YEAR'S RACES: 2011 was my second year of competing and I stepped up from Olympics to a half-iron and completed a full marathon.
WEIGHTLOSS: When I first started training, I was a very hefty 245 lbs. During my first season, I got all the way down to 200 lbs with a strict diet (counted calories) and training. Last season I got all the way down to 193 lbs during the height of my half-iron training (without even watching my diet!). But, this winter I've put on a few more pounds than I intended to and have been hanging in the 205ish range. My goal is to be all the way down to 185 lbs by my half marathon in July. WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I think I will be a good mentee as I love discussing all things training and racing. I am open to trying to new things and taking advice to improve. I am also more than willing to share my experiences with others in hopes of helping them improve. I love checking in on other people's logs to see how they are progressing and to gain inspiration to push myself further. While I feel I have come a LONG way since my first season, I have a lot more to learn and have tons of room to go faster! I am looking forward to being part of a virtual team to help me, and the team, improve. Edited by n.k 2012-04-02 4:43 PM |
2012-04-02 8:09 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Member 12 | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN NAME: Erin H I'm currently riding a hybrid which I just took off the trainer and onto the road. I think cycling is my strongest area, and definitely my favorite. I will be purchasing a road bike, or possibly a triathlon bike, within the next two weeks so I can become a more efficient cyclist. Running is ridiculously difficult for me. I'm slow, and I injure myself easily. THIS YEAR'S RACES: My first race ever will be the Quakerman Sprint Triathlon in Orchard Park, NY on Father's Day. Hopefully I will be able to do the Pant Pedal Paddle in Minerva NY in July, but there is no word yet on whether they are having another race this year. Over Labor Day weekend I will be participating in the Lake George Olympic Triathlon.
WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I am 188% dedicated to becoming a triathlete. I love the variety of the training and I cannot wait to cross that finish line. I'm not sure exactly what it is that I need to prove to myself, but there is some sort of fire burning. It also doesn't hurt that I have an excuse to buy neat little gadgets and to design more spreadsheets to track my progress now. In addition, I am flexible and not resistant to change. I will try just about any training advice to keep me heading in the right direction. |
2012-04-02 8:14 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Veteran 310 | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN |
2012-04-02 8:18 PM in reply to: #4125942 |
Pro 5123 Canandaigua NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Ybeal - 2012-04-02 9:14 PM Ken, do you have room for one more? I'd love to join if you do!
Yvonne Absolutely Yvonne! Post a bio when you get a minute! |
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2012-04-02 8:41 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Veteran 310 | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN NAME: Yvonne
Excited to get to know everyone!
Yvonne |
2012-04-02 10:01 PM in reply to: #4124117 |
Extreme Veteran 601 Cold Spring, NY | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN I'd like to join in. I can post a bio in the AM if you there is room. |
2012-04-03 2:26 AM in reply to: #4125415 |
Member 150 Rochester | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN adkgeocacher - 2012-04-02 4:23 PM I'm in the Buffalo area and will be racing my first race in June. I'm at work, but I'll post my info when I get home. Thanks! -Erin Erin, I am originally from Buffalo, living in Rochester now. Travel back to Blo for family and of course good pizza and wings. |
2012-04-03 3:27 AM in reply to: #4124117 |
Member 150 Rochester | Subject: RE: Kenj - triathletes in training OPEN Ok I have some time for my bio now... Sit back, relax and get ready to fall aspleep. Story: So, I am a 42 yo male, divorced, living with my SO, Maureen this woman is a saint, my son Drew. In October I was weighing in at 304 lbs. I finally went for a check up at my dr's who sent me for lab work, come to find out I was diagnosed with Diabetes Milletus Type 2 and hypothyroidism. So I started taking pills for both. My fasting BG was 280's with a A1C level of 9.3. With hard work I have gotten my fasting BG down to 90 and a A1C level of 5.3. It is awesome to get there. Of course after looking at my diet and doing some research I read a book called WHEAT BELLY and have followed it pretty closely. That is what has helped me get my levels down. Of course in the process I have lost 74 lbs currently. Been plauteauing lately though. It is because of my diet lately, just need to refocus again. I had started to run shortly after I was diagnosed and in december I started having some pain in my right ankle. I just figured it was from running or something like that. Well, one day the pain became so bad that I actually came to the hospital I work at. My ankle was tapped and they thought I had a septic joint, so off to surgery for a washout. All the tests came back negative for infections with this, of course AFTER my surgery, so more tests were done. It came back that I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. I am currently using methotrexate for treatment and feel wonderful. Will there be a day that I cannot run? Maybe, but until then it is my choice to be active and I will not give up that right easily. Family status: Divorced father of 3 kids, Kaety 22, Drew 19 and Olivia 14. I also have wonderful twin grandson Jayson and Steven almost 3 by Kaety, who is also pregnant with a girl right now. Kaety lives w/ her BF, Drew with me and Olivia wit my ex-wife. Been divorced for 6 years and it is still tough to adjust not having my little girl with me. I crave my time for her and always count down to our next time together. My grandson are the cutest in the world, obviously. I have a wonderful SO, Maureen who loves them like her own and is also supportive of my endeavors. Current training...Well I definetly train at least 4 days a week, need to really do my 6. I am doing well with the biking (at the gym), running ( I am doing a c25k, however this weekend I ran and only walked for about 2 minutes total out of 30 min), my swim, well, I don't drown. It sucks to swim and not do well at it. Just bought a book on total immersion and will be looking into it. Last year races: I only ran to the food line, I think I beat most people but it wasn't officailly timed. 2012 Races: Well just did my Spring Forward race here in rochester. I am teamed up with my GF to compete as a team for the Flower City Duathlon. She is doing the running 5kx2 and I am doing the 20 mile bike ride. I also am doing a 40 mile bike ride for the Tour DeCure in June. Just signed up for a nurses run and also the corporate challenge in May, both 5K. After these I am not sure. Goals: Well, here it is. I want to keep practicing and do some sprint tri's middle to end of summer, along with some half marathons. Next year I want to do olympic tri's and some marathons. 2 years, HIM. 3 years IM. I am my hardest critic about my performance. If I would rate it in a smell, it would be fish left outside on a hot day and well for a couple of days with a skunk dead on top of it. OK maybe not that bad but I am hard on myself. Hope you like the visual!
Peter |
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