Marinus' gang - Thanks to a great group!

Hi Marinus, I am interested in joining your group.

Name: Sarah     Age: 23

I have always enjoyed sports but was never really that good.  Because of this I ended up quitting them at a younger age.  Two summers ago I decided that I wasn't working hard enough at living a healthy lifestyle and wanted to change that.  I lost weight and started working out at the gym.  I seen an ad for a triathlon and decided that it was definitly something I was interested in; however to this date I still have not yet done one.  I am signed up for my first triathlon in April, a sprint. 

I have one race under my belt, a 10km which I did in September and loved!  I realized that I love competition and the adreline rush! can't wait for the spring!

Current Training:  In the new year I will start swimming once a week.  I feel this is my strongest area so I will focus on it the least.  Up until about a month ago I was running about 5km, 3 times a week; however, due to some -30 weather I have stopped.  As soon as the weather improves a bit I plan on starting back up with that.  For cycling, I have been going to spin classes about twice a week.  I also do various other activities at the gym such as weights and boot camp classes for core conditioning.

 Races I Want to Do this year:  Several sprints throughout the summer, possibly an olympic distance in August.  Possibly some more 10km runs, and the Nike Womens Half marathon in October.

I would like to join this mentor group.

 I am a 29 (almost 30) year old who is just getting started. I have some small goals for the year, but would eventually like to run a marathon and some day do an Ironman. I'm starting with small goals.

I want to run a 10k in May and I'd like to do the Tour de Tucson in November (I want to do the 109 mile ride). 

I'm starting my workouts on Monday the 29th. I'm giving myself a solid starting date and keeping the log here but also carrying a log with me to the gym. 

I need some help with weight training. I get a little lost and don't necessarily know what to work on when. I'd love to find a schedule for weight training that could help. I also need to work on my swimming and am hoping to find a program that I can sign up for and get lessons.

Thanks for your help in advance. I know I can use it.

Hi Marinus

I'd love to join your group.  Here's a bit about me...

I am 38 years old, single, 3 dogs and run my own business.  I will work too many hours if I don't make time for myself - I have made time for myself in the past, and need to find that time again.  I am beginning to realize that this is not a dress rehearsal.

I started running about 5 years ago and fell in love with the sport.  A friend of mine then signed me up for a 3 km open water swim and I decided I had better do some training.  The next logical step was to train for a try-a-tri.  After realizing that it was possible to cross the finish line, I got myself a good road bike and moved up to a sprint.  Unfortunately I had to take last summer off due to a neck injury from a car accident, but was still able to get some longer distance running under my belt last winter and spring.

 Last year's races:  I had a great time at the Around the Bay race & then practically had to be scraped up off the pavement after my first marathon...  enter training hiatus...

 Currently:  I have gotten back on the horse, so to speak.  I am back running a bit (2x/wk) and have been back at a strength program to help with the injuries. 

Weightloss:  I need to take off the 15 or so pounds that I've put on over the past 6-8 months of not training.  Not to mention what the holidays have done!

 I am planning on doing the 30K Around the Bay again this year (end of March) and an Olympic tri - perhaps Muskoka?

I look forward to working with you!

Jenn

Hi Everyone. First, sorry for the delay in getting back to this. I've had to deal with a family medical emergency. And for the next while that may mean I might be a day or so before getting back to you, but rest assured I'll be here for you.

Thanks for your postings and enthusiasm. I look forward to providing whatever answers and questions I can. My first words of advise are... it is important to enjoy the training. If you find it becoming stale lets find some way to change things up to keep it interesting. If we can help this become a lifestyle then you'll more likely keep to your training and reach your goals.

As for your individual questions, I'll get to that shortly. Welcome!

Marinus

Hughe;

Congrats on your new baby girl! I have one daughter who has now turned 21. My advise there is, when she turns 14... RUN! And don' t worry.. they eventually become human again. Maybe by 20.

I'm glad to have you on board. Three Olympic distance triathlons is quite a goal for the year. Good for you! I know some good events, if you want to discuss any options. I'll be doing the UBC Olympic myself this year. Keep it all balanced, and have FUN training towards the goal.

I welcome any questions you may have.

caldwell.k23

Marinus

Jenn;

Welcome to the group. It sounds like you have a very busy life. Let's make sure we keep a good balance, in all areas. If you do you'll find you have more fun, more nergy, and more success, at everything.

I always stress to people to not specifically worry about weight loss. This goes for everyone in the group. Eat healthy. Proper fueling is critical. Too little or the wrong type of fuel and you'll struggle. With good fuel you can put that fuel to use and train properly. Do both those right and the weight will take care of itself. And forget about scales, all of you. Most people will actualy gain weight at the start as they trade fat for muscle. The real test is how you feel. And next you'll see it in how your look in the miorror, and how your clothes fit.

As for your goals and training, what would be your short term and medium term goals? Let's pick a first event and work towards that.

Glad to have you with us!

Marinus

Hi Marinus.  I would love to join your group.  I'm a 39 year old female.  I am very much starting from the beginning...again.  I finished a sprint tri 18 years ago and was on the college cycling team but I haven't done much since.  As I quickly approach 40 I am very motivated to get back into shape and experience the joys and challenges of competition, even if it is just with myself.  I'm currently out of shape - I need to lose 70 pounds - and I have to start small.  My first event is just a 5k on March 14th.  There are sprints I would like to do, one in June, July, and August (Danskin).  Depending how my training goes there is also an olympic September 13th I would love to be able to do.

I read what you said about joining a Master Swim Class.  My local YMCA has a group and I will check that out this week.   They also offer a personal training session to get you started on a workout program.  I'll also sign up for that this week as well.

I really appreciate the opportunity to be in your group and I hope with your support I'll be able to achieve my goals.

Shannon

NAME:       Folkert Wierda

Location: Turku, Finland (birth place of Paavo Nurmi, greatest runner of all!)

STORY:     I have been running - on and off - all my life, one of the generation that got inspired  by the win of  Abebe Bikila, long time ago, in the Olympic Marathon. I turned 50 this year, and decided I want to still achieve some decent Marathons. Run last year - after a long time - again a half Maraton; 1:40:02. Problems with my legs (Achilles, Periostitis) forced me on the bike, and that is how I got hooked on Tri.

 I combine my training with a management job that requires a lot of traveling, and a family that includes dogs (Border Collies).

CURRENT TRAINING: I am currently training on a "winter maintenance" program, and my A-races for 2009 are a HIM in July in Finland, and my first Marathon, probably Frankfurt (Germany) in October. My target for that first Marathon will be 3:30, before that I will run a local Half Marathon where I am at 1:30. Long term I aim at an IM with high classifications in my age group

MY CHALLENGES:  Combining my traveling with training (I always take hotels with gym and pool); keeping my legs healthy.

Mirinusw,

I would like to join the group if there is still room. 

Story:  Started out running but found Tri's as a way to avoid injury.  I am now in love with both and often find it hard to choose between the 2 mistresses.  I enjoy going long the most but time is often an issue in training.  Not particularly fast but I am still improving

Family Status:  Married with 2 kids 5/3 with the wife being a runner as well. (we often compete over long days)

Current Training: Starting training for RNR San Diego on the 1st as "A" race with an Oly in March.  Training for B2B Full starting shortly after as second "A" race.  I haven't done anything structured since Silverman just as a break.  I have been getting in some miles though, just not logging them.

2008 Races: 1 HIM, 3 Oly's, 1 Sprint, 1 half Mary

2009 Races:  RNR San Diego, 2 Oly's, 1 HIM, Napa to Sonoma Half Mary, Beach to Battleship Full.

Weightloss:  Maintain current weight (160 lbs)

GOALS:  I truly enjoy the personal gains of endurance sports but have found the social aspect to be rewarding as well.  I am more motivated when I interact with others facing the same challenges and find enjoyment when others succeed in their goals.  That is why I would love to be part of this group. 

Chet

Hello - Marinus!!!!!

NAME: got2run (Steve)

STORY: I am interested in the mentor/training group.  I am hoping this will keep me motivated as i tend to get lazy in these winter months.   In 2008, i had some medical issues and personal struggles which led to 2 dnf's and then my season was cancelled in july.  I've gotten healthy, and now looking forward to 2009.  I've been a triahtlete since 2003, when i registered for a Spirit of Racine 1/2IM.  It was a new race in our area (my hometown) and i decided it was time for a challenge, i was hooked.  I've run 41 marathons since 1981.

2009 RACES:  I have the Spirit of Racine 1/2 on my calendar and few other local sprints, plus several road races. 

I hope you will welcome me to your group.

To Folkert, Bob, Chet, Steve, and Shannon: Welcome to the group.

To everyone who has asked to join to this point, you will see that I have now closed the group.

I like the wide range of experience, goals, and locations. I hope that I had help you reach your goals. And if you have any specific questions, please feel free to drop me a message. The e-mail is best for one-on-one questions. You can use either the mail here, or feel free to contact me through the e-mail listed on my own site http://www.tri-coach.ca. I also encouarge the entire group to share thoughts, succcesses, and even struggles among the group too. Together the group is stronger than individually.

This is an exciting time for us all.

Marinus

Hi everyone. I thought today I would put up a link to a strength training article previously published on this site. Have a look at: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=425

Strength and particularly core strength is very important. I recommend you try to put some in your training at least once per week. And work all areas i.e. legs, arms, core etc. My two top choices for you are lunges and lat pull downs. Enjoy.

My first race is on March 1. It's a 5k run/walk. I will probably have to walk some at this point, but it's a start.

I'm starting my log this evening. My workouts start today when I get off work.

READY...SET...GO!!!!!

I've got my first "A" race in June but am looking for something else to get the season started.  There is the UBC triathlon in Vancouver but I can't get work off.  Marinus do you have any races that you know about in the near future.  It doesn't need to be a tri.  June is a long ways away and I need something to work towards. 

Do you have any good swimming work outs?  I swam competatively for 9 years so I am good at working out in the pool.  I just need to find a training schedule that would be good for tri's.  

I'm going to put the baby down and head to the gym in our building.  You all got me motivated.  I'm going to start off with the 20 week olympic plan.  I can't bike outside, the weather is brutal.  I'll hit the indoor bike.   Is anyone else following a plan?

I have no specific "A" race planned, but the 1/2IM (Spirit of Racine) is always a race of high priority to me.  So far it looks as though I will designate it my A race.

I'm finishing up the year with some nice workouts.  On the first, i will continue logging my workouts.  I normally don't follow any specific plan, just simply choosing the workout that best fits my schedule that day and how I'm feeling.  Sometimes i might do more running for that week, or be on the bike everyday, i always taper before more important races/longer races.  Others i might just train through.  

Next few months (jan/feb) there are a few 5K's to run and a couple indoor triathlons that break up the winter and let you gauge your fitness.   

Good Luck to everyone and i look forward to being active in this training group.  

Where are you all from?  I live in Racine, WI

Hughe;

For a good early season race in our local area I normally recommend the First Half half marathon. That's my first event this year. But if you were not one of the earlybirds who tried to register in the first 3 hours you'll have missed out. Next is UBC Tri, but you've already mentiooned that.

For swim workouts, I have some ideas. but I always recommend a Masters group first. What part of town is easiest for you? I know a couple of good ones around.