Gary's Mentor Group - Closed for Training

Hey Gary:

What made me want to connect with you is the unhealthy lifestyles that took your brother and father (if I read correctly).  Being black (African-American for you PC types), I am susceptible to high blood pressure.  I have a father who takes meds for it since he was 37 (and is now 75); a brother who died at 45 b/c he refused to take meds; a grandfather and great-grandfather who died b/c of hypertension.  So, there was an instant connection there.

I am 48 but fortunately have been blessed with good genes and look much younger.  However, I am also taking meds for blood pressure.  For the last 6 months I have been actively (3 days/week) lifting weights and doing cardio (exercise bike at least 2 days and mostly d days).  Prior to that, I was an avid swimmer (I'm still certified as a lifeguard).  I am not a big fan of lifting weights but I like the results, I hate running and have a Mountain Bike.

Bottom line, I need/want some variety and have a goal of participating in my first spring of this year.  I do not want to purchase a bike (I think I can get away with a mountain bike for 2013); I will invest in good running shoes and the swim is not a problem for me (I was easily doing a mile a day).

If there's room in your group, I want in.

Steve

Hey Gary, Have room for one more?

I am Robin, 52, Been involved in triathlon for a few years. I am training for my first marathon this spring, then will be doing my first Olympic distance this summer.

Gary,

This year (2012) I turned 50 in December, so in April I set several goal to accomplish before I turned 50. The main to was to be at or under 170 pounds and run a 5K before that day. I have completed 4 5K runs ranging in the neighborhood of 27:30 as well as losing 35 pounds to get under 170. I have started to ride a bike and now I'm up to about 10-11 hilly miles on Saturdays. My goal for this year is to compete in the Memphis in May Sprint Tri @ Tunica, Ms and the NashVegas Sprint in Nashville, TN later in the year. I can run 2-2.5 miles with no problem. My legs can do 3-4 miles no problem if my mind does't sabotage them. I have access to a very good wellness center where I can run/walk, bike, swim and lift weights during lunch.

Dave

Room for another?  I am hoping to join your group.

Two years ago I weighed over 30 pounds more than now and was totally out of shape;  headed toward diseases causes by unhealthy lifestyles that too many family members have succumbed to.  I started running since I ran track in high school, raced a few 5K's but quickly realized I would have to crosstrain if I wanted to exercise daily, daughter was a swimmer so I joined masters and learned how to swim and then started biking more seriously when a friend invited me to do an indoor tri with her. Immediately hooked, and did well on my first sprint and another indoor tri before tearing my hamstring last spring. I had to cancel out of all last spring and summer races and am now 5 mos post surgery easing back into running and biking and have been swimming regularly.  I have gained back 10 pounds and want to loose that plus a bit more to get to racing weight by June.  I am turning 50 this year too so want to come back strong this summer.  (I live north so race season starts for me in June)

Hi Gary.  I am interested in joining your mentor group.    I am 52 years old, weigh 170, and did my first sprint tri in June 2012.   I am just starting to bike again after many years away from the sport. I would like to do 2-3 sprint tris this coming year, and maybe put in an Olympic later in the year.  I would like advice on how to structure a training program to avoid injury, as I am fighting plantar fasciitis at the present time.

Hi Gary,

Last year I did my first sprint (3 of them) and at 50 needed something to get rid of the bulge.  I also participated in a bile relay (my leg was only 16 miles) and a run relay (my leg was 13 miles). Unfortunately I am still trying to get rid of the bulge.  I played basketball/hockey to keep me in shape but at 40 that wasn't enough and now those sports are not fitting into my life.  I need to lose 25 lbs. to expect to approach the performance I think I can but the training helps me deal with stress. I am on medication for hypertension. 

I am married with a son in college.  As my wife and I approach life as empty nesters we are trying to become more active and would like to use triathlon/dualathons as a reason for traveling. 

Hey Jack. I am doing the NYC tri this summer as well. It will be my first Olympic distance race.

Hi Gary!

My name is Megan; I am 47 and live in NYC. I have done a few tri's off and on over the years so I feel likeI am perpetually a beginner; nothing longer than a sprint however and my first open water race last September. I have been married 23 years, and have 4 kids; work fulltime and am a group leader for a women's running organization. Yes, I am busy! but it mostly keeps me out of trouble. Mostly.

This year I have three tris on deck- a mini sprint in April; The NYC Tri (Olympic) in July, and then the Danskin Women's Sprint in October. I also plan a few half marathons leading up to the NYC Marathon in November. Big year! I hope  to maintain a steady focus on nutrition, adequate rest and proper training. I am hoping to learn from this group not only so that I can thrive during this season, but also pay it forward when I can.

Excellent! Of course you will be out of the water before me, but Ill see you at the finish!

I volunteered last year and was amazed by what i witnessed!

Megan and Jack: It looks like there are three of us doing the NYC tri this summer!

Hello. My name is Shari. If there is still room, I would also like to join this group. I have been reading through the posts in some of the other groups & this one seems to be most suited to me.

I am just beginning to train for my first sprint tri, which will be in May in Tempe, AZ. I am thinking of doing a dinky little local sprint tri a month earlier that has a short pool swim, an 8k bike ride, and a 2 mi run to get a little experience before the "big one."

I just turned 50 a few weeks ago. I made 2012 an exceptional year leading up to my 50th birthday and now I want to make Being Fifty even more exceptional. I started running again a few months ago in a bid to lose weight (hasn't been working for that, but I feel better!). Then a friend who's done a few sprint tris said she was coming to town & wondered if I'd do the Tempe International Triathlon with her when she comes. Why not? It's not something I ever envisioned myself doing, but I can run (slowly, but I finish), I can bike (same deal), and I know how to swim. Why not take on this challenge? I always thought any type of triathlon was beyond me, but in the last year I've learned that I'm capable of much more than I knew. I am all about new experiences & challenges, as well as introducing a little more discipline into my life.

I am a physical therapist at a hospital, and I strongly feel that I should set the example as far as health & wellness. I have a medical issue of my own that could potentially limit my physical abilities. I manage it through diet, exercise, and taking care of my emotional, spiritual, & mental health. I am single with no kids, but I manage to fill my time with all kinds of activities, so devising and sticking to a training plan will be a significant challenge for me. I think I'm up for it, especially with guidance & support from a community of like-minded people.

Hello:   My name is John and I am a 53 yr old triathlete ( I did one sprint last year).   Plus I accomplished a 21 km road race and a 11 km trail race.   I live on Vancouver Island Canada.   My goals for the year are a olympic in March (pool swim) and an open water Oylmpic at the end of May.  I am a back of the pack type guy, swim quite slowly and only moderately faster on the bike and run.   I am in this for fun, health, and to lose a few pounds.

If there is room I would like to join.

Thanks

John