Newbz' Spring mentor group- FULL!!!!

I’d really like to be part of your group if you’ll have me.

NAME: Noah_E / Noah

STORY: Currently a college student trying to balance school, work, and training. Started as a rugby player who ran and swam for fitness. Slowly but surely what was supposed to be just training turned into the main event. I dropped rugby this spring to give triathlons my full attention and am looking forward to a great first season.

FAMILY STATUS:  Happily dating (will be 4yrs with girlfriend the 24^th).

CURRENT TRAINING: Training mainly for shorter distances but have a tendency over-distance in training. I train mainly by HR and hardly run or bike without my garmin in tow. Put in 15-20 hrs a week.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: Nothing yet. Marathon got snowed out a week ago so I’m itching for a race.

2009 RACES:  This year will be a trial by fire for me. I’m looking to do as many races as I can (10-15). Will try to keep to Olympic distance and below. First race will be a duathlon this Saturday (4/11).

WEIGHTLOSS: Currently around 168. Looking to trim only a few pounds down to 160 or 155.

If you still have a spot I would like to join.  I am more of a lurker in groups as I have a hard time thinking anyone cares what I am doing. lol  But I do enjoy bouncing ideas of other races or people that have been through similar experiences.  I notice you have a Dennison email address, my wife graduated from there around 1995 (not sure).

NAME: David

STORY: Got involved in Tri's a couple years ago with some friends so he could loose weight for his wedding, now we have a group of approx 9 people that go to the races.  Prior to that I was more of a gym rat with virtually no cardio.  This year I have to decided if I want to continue the long races (if I can improve) or step back down to the shorter races for fun. 

FAMILY STATUS:  Married 6 years with 2 yorkies and 1 boxer (Kona)

CURRENT TRAINING: Right now I am working out approx 15 hr but once the weather breaks it will increase very quickly.  Getting ready to start a 17 week IM program

THIS YEAR'S RACES: Nothing yet.

2009 RACES:  70.3 FL, columbus tri, Findlay tri, 70.3 steelhead, IMKY, IMFL

WEIGHTLOSS: Not an issue have trouble keeping weight on once summer comes. Right now I'm about 15 lbs above my IM race weight from last year

I'd love to join in on this program. I've been on this site for a short while now and looking to get motivated and answers to questions.

Name:Shastaman32-Jeff Towers

Story:Played high school soccer and then went military for 4 years where I did 2 tours overseas and was search & rescue. Happily married going on 4 yrs and my wife being a marathon runner inspired me to do something and triathlons look right up my alley.

Current Training:I work out roughly 6 days a week consisting of free weights Mon/Wed/Fri
Swim/Run/Bike on Tue/Wed/Sat

Races: My first if Napa on May 3rd (Sprint Tri) but looking to get a few more in soon including a possible try at an Xterra Tri. Also the Eppies Great Race in Sacramento.

Weightloss: No issues here. I'm just looking to keep my weight or add a few lbs on.

If your group is still accepting I would like to join. 

NAME: Cliff

STORY: Never done a tri.  My wife wanted to do a triathlon in 2009 so we bought bikes in the fall of 2008 and started training.  She got pregnant a month later and left me to do the tri by myself, but is very supportive.  I am not a runner, swimmer or biker so progress has been slow but steady.


FAMILY STATUS: married

CURRENT TRAINING: 10-12 hrs a week.  master's swim class M/W/F, biking Tue/Sat, running M/Thu/Sat

2009 RACES:
Wendy's Sprint Tri
Greater Ohioan Sprint Tri

WEIGHTLOSS:  Started at 190 last summer.  lost 6 pounds while running in July/Aug.  Started tri training in Sept and did not lose anything Sept-Dec.  Changed my diet in Jan and I am now down to 171. 

I would like to join too

NAME: Tom

STORY:

FAMILY STATUS:  Married 25 years, 3 boys 

CURRENT TRAINING: I'm finishing up the aggressive couch to 5k program, and will transition to the 20 week beginner Olympic program at the end of the month. 

THIS YEAR'S RACES: None

2009 RACES:  New Jersey State Tri (sprint)- Princeton - July 26
                     The Nation's Tri (olympic) - Washington, DC - September 13

WEIGHTLOSS: Started the year at 258.  Currently 223 - plan to be under 200 by the sprint tri in July

Name: Kelli

Family Status: Single

Current Training: This is my second season of doing tri's....after my first one last year I was hooked instantly!  I'm in my third week of training for my first HIM (Timberman) and loving every second!  Currently training 10-12 hours a week.

This Year's Races: Ran the DC Cherry Blossom 10-miler last weekend, and have a half-mary coming up in 2 weeks.  This season I'm doing 2 sprints, 1 Oly, 1 (maybe 2) HIM

Weightloss: I wouldn't mind dropping 2-3 lbs, but I'm happy to just maintain my current weight

What Will Make Me a Good Mentee:  I full out love this sport!!  I want to get better & faster, and I'm willing to put in the work and do whatever it takes.  I've also seen a number of your posts and you seem to be very knowledgable, so I'd love to be able to get some solid feedback on my training.

Cheers!
Kelli

NAME: cusetri/Mike

STORY: lets see...Two years ago I saw a picture of myself at 258 lbs. (I'm 6'), slowly gaining 10-15 lbs a year you don't realize how big you are until you see a picture...that was enough.  2 years later, I'm at 182 and am addicited to endurance sport.  Ran my 1st marathon Nov 2 2008 at NYC, at had a blast.  Did some training series triathlons end of last summer and was hooked from the first time.  My first "official" race in June 7th at Keuka Lake, NY. 

FAMILY STATUS:  Happily Married with 3 boys, 5, 3, 1.  That keeps us busy, but me and my wife love triathlon and we find time for it all! 

CURRENT TRAINING: Designed my own training based on Friel and periodization.  Currently in R&R Base 3, moving to build 1 april 13.  Swim 3x/wk, bike 4-5x/wk and run 3x/wk.  currently do weights 1x per week, strengthn maintanance.

THIS YEAR'S RACES:  so far 1 5k race.  Wanted to break 20', came in at 20:39.  I'll hit it next time!

2009 RACES: 

WEIGHTLOSS: Currently around 182 lbs.  my goal is to get to 175 by 1st race....Keep on me about that!!.  sometimes I feel like I can sneak in a treat here and there.  For me to get to 175, I need to cut out the crap!

What Will Make Me a Good Mentee:  I will take advice and try it with the best intent.  I always think what I am doing is right, however as soon as someone with proven results shows me a better way, I'll change without any resistance.  I want nothing more than to compete at the very best of my ability at every race.  I'm looking for someone who can assist me to taking my game to the abosolute peak level.

I think my training log is pretty much up-to-date for April.  Need to go back an put some stuff in for March.  That's when I decided to begin the couch to 5K aggressive plan.  I think it's open, but when I look at actual vs. planned, doesn't look right.  However, the actuals seem to be OK.

Here's some background:  By the last week of April, I will have gone from walking 4-6 hours/week in Jan and Feb, to beginning running at the beginning of March.  Started with 9mins during the walk, broken up into 2 minute segments.  By the last week of the program, I will be running 24 minutes continuously 3x week, plus an extra day of bike/swim, or something else, and then walking the remainder of an hour or more.  Today I made it 22 minutes and over 2 miles for the first time since I was in my 20's!  On April 27th, I transition to the 20 week beginner 2X balanced Olympic triathlon plan.  The first run is 24 minutes.  No problem.  The second run will be 40 minutes.  I doubt I can make that, but I'll break it up as necessary to complete the total time.  Swimming and biking I think will be fine for me.

Here's where I could use some advice. The 2x balanced olympic plan currently has me running 2x/week, with 2 days off.  I think coming from far down as I am, at least for the first month or 2, the 2 days off will be important for recovery.  However, I think running will be the most difficult part for me, and I am not sure running 2x/week will be good enough.  The running focused 20 week plan looks good, but only has 1 day off/week.  So, my plan is to use the 2x balanced plan for a month or 2, and then the running focused plan.

Any other ideas or thoughts?

Good morning David and all,

If you have more space I need you again...

Name: Chris....chrisrunzs26

Story: Started running and did marathons about 7 yrs ago. Started doing Tri's 3seasons ago. Lost 100+ lbs in the process. Have recently lost my Mojo and there for  need help and a good butt kickin' to get it back on track.

Family status: Married, 3 grown children, 2 grand-girls and 1  4 month old Great Pyrenees puppy (Sam) ...my new training partner.

Current training: Trying to get back at it but have been consistently run/walk at least 1 to 1.5 hr day with Sam. Other than that I am putting 1/2 Iron on the schedule, late Sept.

This years races:  Toyota Challenge 1/2 Iron in Sept and Columbus Marathon in Oct. Also some bike tours but not sure which ones yet.

Weight loss: need to drop 30lbs...picked up 10 extra in my slackerdom

David: I need you to kick me into gear. and my running is still not great. I will be a much improved athlete with your help.  Thanks again and looking forward to not being a big ole' slacker. Have been posting my workouts...what there are of them .

Chris

David,

Thanks....I'm going to do the Toyota Challenge at Deer Creek. It is Sept 27th, that is 24 wks away. The training plan on BT is 20 wks.  So my ?? is, what do I do until then. Should I upload a shorter training plan, ex: Sprint/Oly and do it for a month and then switch to the 1/2 Iron ? My bike is my fav workout so getting them in is not a prob. but as you know the run is my nemesis. Swimming is not great but when I do it it is not too bad. Am I making it too complicated?? What do you say?

Hi David,
I hate to be deserter but I am going to move on over to another group.  The person leading the group & several members have done/are doing some races I have my eye on.

Sorry to be such a short lived member!

Good Luck & Happy Training!