Madcow's group - FULL

Herman, Welcome! And Felix, I will keep an eye on you as well, although I could learn a thing or two from you as well

I will check back in early this week

Tom

I'll write my bio correctly, now.

Name: dragoman / Félix

Story: I'm 34 on January 9th. Not an absolute beginner, I started "training" for the first time before turning 30, only mountain biking. Less than a year later I was taking part in multisport races, but no swimming. Because of a running injury, I started swimming around August 2004 and did my first tri in October of that same year. Made quick progress on the swim but then kind of got stuck in the same place. I had a long recovery from ITBS but kept the running volume/intensity low and lost some speed though I wasn't fast to begin with. I've completed two iron-distance races, albeit at a slow pace.

Family Status: I live and train with Mayde, and we're set to get married in 2007.

Current Training:In late January, I'll start to train for Hombre de Hierro (Venezuela) to be held on July 29th.  As in my two previous IM attempts, I'll be basing most of my training on Gail Bernhardt's 26-week IM plan. At present, I'm loosely following Mayde's HIM training plan with her until I begin my own. Won't start swimming until mid-January as my local pool is closed.

Last year's races: Completed 1 Iron-distance race, but had a slow swim, blew a tire on an otherwise good ride and had a slow run (but beat my own result from the previous year). Though it was a satisfactory result, I got the feeling that I could do much better

2007 races: Hebraica (1k-40k-10k) April 10th; Margarita Island HIM on June 11th; Hombre de Hierro (iron-distance) on July 29th ("A" race) + a bunch of MTB races in between and afterwards...I'm hoping the bike will pretty much take care of itself as long as I put in the necessary time in the saddle and want to focus on becoming an efficient swimmer and a faster, injury-free runner. I'll also compete in a few adventure races though no dates have been posted yet. 2007 will be a busy and ambitious year for me on a personal level (completing my studies, getting married, migrating to Australia) and also in sports, as I feel I could, with guidance and self-discipline, step it up a bit.

Weightloss: My weight is also an issue as I'm constantly battling my self-control and food choices. I know that just by lowering my body fat, I'll definitely get faster. I'm currently at the heaviest I've been over the last three years. 

Welcome Keith! I am honored that you chose my group!

I have struggled with the exact same weight issues myself and even though I know what mistakes I have made in the past, I still slip and fall into the same old routine of overeating because I am training. Together I think we will get over this!

So, the key is (starting today) to log everyday, even if you don't workout. It's a good habit to get into and it lets everybody else know what's going on. We will all learn from each other.

Again,

Thanks for joining this group

Tom

rkreuser - 2006-12-26 8:59 PM Damn, Tom, count me in with Felix.  If I could mentor AND be mentored, I'd do it.   But don't want to dilute your efforts.  Lucky newbies.

TRue. I'm not that much of a newbie, so I wouldn't want to dilute any efforts either.

Good luck guys! Have a great 2007 season.

rkreuser - 2006-12-26 5:59 PM Damn, Tom, count me in with Felix. If I could mentor AND be mentored, I'd do it. But don't want to dilute your efforts. Lucky newbies.

I was thinking the same thing!  And Double Ironman - Dang!   

Oofff.  This is way going to be an Ironman thread.   Best to all!!!! 

I'll just go back to my Olympic! 

Tom, welcome!

Your weightloss is inspiring and I know we all can benefit from your experiences.

Janice, you are so in! Any friend of Hollis is a friend of mine

If there is anything that I have learned in the years I spent in this sport, is everybody has times when we are down and need a little push. Whether you are doing Super Sprints or Ironmans, you can still learn something or need a little encouragement.

I have never done an Olympic race and don't plan on it, ever. That distance scares me to death. It requires more mental focus than a sprint and more all out speed than a half IM or IM. I have the utmost respect for anybody that can take on that distance

BTW, I saw you met Kathy and the G's. I had the priviledge of meeting her and the MA mafia, when I was out there this summer. They are very generous and gracious people.

Again,
Welcome to the group...we needed a little estrogen because it was turning into a sausage fest

I will be away from my computer for a few hours, so I won't be able to check in. But, I think I will have room for one or two more people

Thanks

Tom

Well, if estrogen is needed, can I jump in this group??

Name: swgtri/Shannon

Story: I'm a 30 year old tri-chick from the Denver metro area.  My sports background getting into tris was gymnastics, some rock climbing, certified divemaster--nothing that required endurance.  In high school, the PE teacher would have me sit out when the class was running, as I was prone to shin splints and she didn't want anything to interfere with my gymnastics training/competition.  I had never even run a 5K.  The summer of '04 I received an email advertising the Tri for the Cure, an all-women's triathlon benefiting breast cancer research.  I thought that sounded like a good challenge, and motivation to get my hiney in shape.  But seeing as I hadn't run in the previous decade, hadn't owned a bike in 8 years, and the longest swim I had done for time was a 400 yard test for my divemaster certification, I thought I would need more than 4 weeks to get ready.  I was going to do it the next year.  A couple months later, I was talking with some ladies at the office about it, and one lady said I needed to do Tri for the Cure and Danskin, since she did both every year.  I did both, and fell in love with the sport, immediately registering for a third sprint+ distance race for the same summer.  This last summer I moved up to Olys, with my A race being a HIM.  Unfortunately, I broke my wrist in my 2nd Oly 3 weeks before the HIM, so didn't get to compete.  Now I have my eye set on an IM.

Family: Married with 2 dogs--kids eventually.  Husband is a cyclist, who might someday consider a du.

Current Training: I am about to do my first marathon next month, which is part of training for IM CdA.  I am far from technical, and am by no means fast.  I have modest time goals for my races, but each time I move up a distance, my goal is truly just to finish.  No matter what my time is, if it's a new distance, I'm setting a PR!  In order to give myself the best shot at finishing the IM, I am working with a coach.  He has completely changed my run and swim technique.  I have already seen some nice (for me) improvements in my run time.

Last Years Races:  I did the 5430 Sprint, Loveland Lake to Lake oly, and crashed in the Boulder Peak (if you're going down, go down in a blaze of glory, right?!).  I also did a few 5Ks and Surf and Turf races.

2007 Races:  AZ RnR Marathon, Napa Valley Vintage HIM, IM CdA, 5430 Long Course, and maybe a couple of other shorter distance events thrown in as time/budget/recovery allows.  I would love to go back and get my revenge on the Boulder Peak, but it's only a month after the IM.

Weightloss:  I have never had much of a problem with my weight--yeah I could stand to lose 10 pounds, but I'm still what most would consider "thin."  For me, the bigger challenge is a battle with heart health, which is a genetic issue.  I have been trying to lower my cholesterol since they first tested my cholesterol at 25.  This last fall I finally got it down below 200! 

This looks like a great group!

If this group isn't full I'm game. I need help going long!

Name: TimmyMay / Timmy

Story: I'm a 35 year old male. Living in Canada. Started doing tri's about 3 years ago. I've done multiple sprints and one olympic, a 1/2 marathon and that's it.  My only weight problem is getting and keeping some on. Used to be down to 125lbs during my 2nd divorce. Now I'm up to 165lbs. I'm on a quest for 2008 IM Lake Placid.

Family Status: I have four kids. (18, 16, 11, 8). All are girls except the 8 year old.

Current Training: Currently I am training for the Ottawa full marathon in May, and a 1/2 IM this summer. Either Peterbourogh or Ottawa 1/2 IM. I'm also hoping to get to Lake Placid this summer and ride the IM bike course. 2008 I'd like to do IM Lake Placid. Provided I can get a spot.

Last years races: I did the Ottawa 1/2 Marathon, Guelph Lake I Olympic and Niagara Sprint, Belwood Try a Tri.

2007 races: Ottawa Full Marathon, Guelph Lake I Olympic and Ottawa 1/2 IM.

Weightloss: Not a problem, just need to keep some on.

I'd type more but I gotta get out for a run before the next blizzard hits and it's getting dark....

Well, we are full! Again I am very honored that you picked this group 

Karen and Shannon, there is more than enough room for you two here.

Everybody's stories are all very inspirining and we all seem to be in the same position.

For the group:

• If you have a general question, feel free to ask it here in this thread or in the Tri Forum.
• If you have a specific for me, either ask in my training log or PM me.
• Try and check out some of our group member's training logs at least a couple of times a week and feel free to leave an Ispire ME. You would be surprised how many people have already been through or are going through the same "issues" you are experiencing.
• Log everyday. Even if it is just to say why you didn't do anything
• Don't be afraid to ask anything. We are here to support you.
• Have fun. If this isn't fun any more, then why do it?

I am very excited about this group and I know we will be able to help each other

Tom

Wow, Snaps10 and TimmyMay you guys are quick! I was typing when you two jumped in. Of course there is room, the more the merrier.

Snaps10, Yes, write your story, we would love to hear it!