Evondo's Group - FULL

If you don't mind I would like to join your group.

NAME: Tracy

STORY: It is kind of long sorted story for me. I have always been a runner. It was an activity I could do that didn't cost me any money. Therefore, I ran. I ran and ran and ran and ran. About 3 years ago a friend of mine started talking to me about triathlons. I thought...hmmm...I could do that. I bought a road bike and started biking. The next year in 07 I decided to do one triathlon. I was hooked. In 08 I did another 3 races. All sprint distances. My only plans are to do more sprints. I don't feel quite ready for oly distances. I am a weak biker. That is my achilles heal. I finally have a trainer and plan to spend a lot of time on my bike this winter.

FAMILY STATUS: Married for 6 years to my wonderful husband Michael. Who has supported my addiction to triathloning 100%. He even let me by a new tri bike this year. We have 5 fur kids, 2 dogs and 3 cats. 

CURRENT TRAINING: Right now I am doing a hodge podge of things. I have been trying to lose some weight for our trip to Costa Rica on the 1st. I have been swimming twice a week, running twice a week with strength training and biking 1 day. 

THIS YEAR'S RACES: I did 3 sprint distance triathlons. In my last one I got 4th in age class. If only I could have run my normal time. It was muggy and I forgot my inhaler.

2009 RACES: More sprints for me. I plan on doing the Elkhart Lake sprint, Door County, Waupaca and Manitowoc. I also plan to do a couple 5ks, maybe a 10k if I feel up to it and a duathlon that is my town.

WEIGHTLOSS: I need to lose another 8-10 pounds at this point. I would love to be under 150 by tri-season. I hope I can get that done this winter. I love my sweets.

whshaw3 you're in... plenty of time to prepare for your Olympic in August! Sounds like you'll be doing some running during the winter which is the same as what I use my off season for too.  Are you able to get any biking in during the winter up in MA?

If your main goal is the olympic in August I highly recommend doing a sprint before as a tune-up so if you can find one go for it.

Please remember to add me and the rest of our group as they join to your training logs. Welcome to the group!

Welcome to the group TracyV! Very glad to have a runner in the group, that is my achilles heel.   I used to be able to run well back when I swam and somewhere along the way lost it, hope to get it back this season

What are your goals for this next season? From this years races it sounds like you're well on your way to top 3 in your AG for 2009! What were your bike splits/distances for your 2008 races? Since it's your weakness, it should be the focus as I'm sure you've heard... Train your weakness, race your strength!

Welcome to the group! 

Another Trigeek from the Houston area that would like to try and get a heaping spoonful of inspiration and motivation from your group.    

NAME: Tri_n_2_b_fast / Justin

STORY: I am former Marine who who was no stranger to running.  As life would have it, I ate more and moved less and before I knew it I was not as lean and not as mean, but I was still a Marine... I was having lower back problems and not sleeping well, so in Mar 06 I finally decided I needed to do something... My wife and I began to change what and how we ate, and began moving more.  The pounds started to fall off and moving more became easier and easier!  Before you know I was setting new PR's in 5k's, 10k's, 10milers, half's and even in the 26.2.  I was running as fast and farther than I did at 21.  Then in Feb '08, some friends laid down the challenge of a half-ironman triathlon in Nov '08.  A triathlon??? Sounds fun, but I knew nothing of the sort... I began training, then racing and steadily my results improved.  I completed the Ironstar in 5:39 and felt really good for the majority of the race...(large blister on the ball of left foot for the last 3 miles of the run... not fun!)  I signed up for IMFL '09 on 11/2 and I am extremely excited about this journey!  I love this sport, I really enjoy the people I have met.  I enjoy training and pushing myself, but I absolutely love the thrill of racing. 

FAMILY STATUS: Married to a wonderful & supportive wife, I have 2 great boys - 17 & 12...oh yeah, and 4 mini-doxies - I know...frickin' crazy!

CURRENT TRAINING: I've cut back on the bike and swim, focusing mainly on my run milage, for the Houston Marathon on 1/18.  Once that race is over I will then begin to refocus on tri-training.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: 2008 was a good first tri-season.  I raced 7 sprints, 1 Int'l, 1 HIM, and 1 DU.  I also set a new PR of 3:44 for the Houston Marathon.  Ran a couple 10k's and a half-marathon. I even ran an Adventure Race (sprint).

2009 RACES:  I'm also starting off the season with the Houston Marathon.  My 4th, and I am looking at breaking 3:30 and setting a new PR.  My "A" race will be ~ IMFL '09 ~ 11/7!  I will be focusing almost all my effort on that race.  However, I will run a few sprints, maybe an Olympic/Int'l, and possibly the Lonestar HIM in April.

WEIGHTLOSS: I lost 60lbs from Mar 06 - Dec 07 and I have kept it off.  I may try and lean out another 5-8lbs as I get closer to November.

OK, first tri this season was an indoor tri. Keep in mind I had not really biked much all winter. It was a time base event. I biked 5.85 miles in 20 minutes.That is slow. Super slow. I couldn't shift the bike on the trainer either. Excuses, excuses.

Second event Door County Sprint 18 miles 56:13 (19.3mph). Fairly flat course.

Third event Manitowoc Sprint 16 miles 53:29 (18.0). This event was somewhat hilly. 

I want to get my average speed into the 20s. Is that unreasonable? My long term goal would be to average 23, now that is unreasonable.

My goal for 09 is to place in the top three of my age group in at least one race. Door County draws all the tough racers in WI. I am not sure I can place in that one, but I have several others that I might be a contender at. Manitowoc in particular. It is small race. Not a lot of the top athletes do it. It is my best chance. I also have a new P2C to race on this year. I am hoping I can buy some speed!

Hello everyone!

Name: Doug, Douglas which ever you feel like using

Story: When I was younger I played soccer mostly.  Through high school I was a Martial Artist.  i would train 3-4 times a week for about 4 hours a shot.  As I got into college I continued my Martial Arts and added Gymnastics as well.  I would lift here and there as well.  I left Martial Arts and injured my ankle heavily so I had to stop Gymnastics, during my early college years.  I was completely devastated!!!  I was very good at both sports and LOVED them!!!!  A friend of mine in college got me into cycling a little.  I got tired of it after a while and stopped.  More lifting ensued. 

My current roommate got me back into cycling HARDCORE (compared to what I had done) in '06.  In the spring summer and fall I ride about 15 miles every 3-4 days a week, Sometimes more if I have time.  I totally love it!  I had been being pushed into running by the roommate, his girlfriend and my ex-girlfriend.  I wasn't sure how my knees and ankles would take it so I had been fighting it for a while.  I finally broke down and got started about a month and a half ago.  I can't miss a day at the gym!!!!  I'm just over half way through the couch to 5k aggressive plan on this site. 

I have always looked at Tri's from a distance and thought how awesome it would be to do them.  Then one night at work I was surfing Youtube and started watching some video's about Tri's and saw some elderly people finishing them and all the awesome machinery people were riding.

Here is the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8l249bM0FE

I don't know if its going to work.  You may have to cut and paste that action.

I thought "What the hell?  I'm starting this running thing, I can haul pretty well on a bike and have a quality ride as it is.  I know how to swim."  Right then and there I decided, No more looking on from a distance we are doing this!!!!! I'm not doing this to just say I've done it.  I want to do it like I did my Gymnastics and Martial Arts.  I'm going all in, double down, kick butt and take names!!  I will push myself to the knifes edge at full blast (with an eye out for injuries).  I know I can do this and I want to put in the time required to be the absolute best that I can be!!!

 Family status: Me (28 years old). my bike, my running shoes and my race car (other hobby is racing Endurance Touring cars).....

 This years races: none yet, just the race for information, the right equipment, and the race to prepare myself!

 '09 races: Planning on 2 sprints, one being the Minneman in July.  A 5k right away in the spring and as much long distance riding as I can get!

weight loss: meh, who doesn't want to lose a few?  I guess I don't have a target, I figure my body will equalize itself for now.

I am just starting out in this sport and I love the training already.  I have not been a very good endurance athlete previously, but I have been an active athlete playing baseball, football, and golf for a long time.  I am a 24 year old graduate student who is going to do my first sprint tri in May in Effingham, IL and then going to do the Chicago Olympic distance in Aug.  I think that this group would be really beneficial to me to see where I can improve my training.  I hope to hear from you soon!! Good luck in your training and races in 2009

 Adam

Hi Eric!

Do you have room in the group for one more??  I'm about to run into a meeting, but I'll post my info later on this morning.

Kelli

Welcome to the group everyone, I'm going to try and catch up this AM and read/respond to everyone's bio between meetings. Got to get some work done

Please post your bio's if you haven't already and if you can include your short/long term goals it'll help me and everyone get a feel for what you're looking for from the group.

I'd like to leave the remaining spot in the group for the ladies. Our group is near complete!

I would love to join, if there is still room?

If yes, my info is below.

NAME: Nicole83/ kinda a no brainer here, but Nicole

STORY: The long and the short of it, I started racing tris three years ago after a series of injuries stopped me from running.  After a disasterous race in 2007 I took a year off to heal both mentally and physically.  I just moved to FL from the midwest and LOVE everything about this lifestlye, espeically the fact that it's near 80 in the middle of December.  At my new job there are several triathletes and I was inspired to sign up for an Olympic distance race in April.  I am beyond excited to make a "comeback" into the sport.

FAMILY STATUS: Married for nearly a year.

CURRENT TRAINING: Prepping for St. Anthony's Olympic distance race...

THIS YEAR'S RACES: Other than St. A's I'm looking at a half mary and a possible fall HIM.

WEIGHTLOSS: 30 more lbs

I saw your races in your profile and with us both living in Houston we some how managed to do completely different races with the exception of Tejas!  This year I was considering Clear Lake and Cinco Ranch, how did you like them? 

Both races were fun... I think Clear Lake was one of the better races in 2008... It was well organized, the race course was good and I enjoyed the swim.  It did get a little warm towards the end of the run, but good support all along the course.  Great post race food and drinks and great competition.

Cinco Ranch or "Stink-O" ranch as I have heard it refered to as... was decent... The bike and run courses were good, although I think the distances were shorter than advertised... The swim was less than great... several shallow spots as you swam near the shore line... the course seemed longer than advertised.  The post race was good and the weather was really nice (October instead of September).  I had heard the water was dirty stinky... I did not notice that at all.  The transition area was a little cramped, but I would definitely race it again...

NAME: Newtons1st / Todd

STORY: 32 and just started training for a Dual in Feb. I have alway been an athletic person and played many sports. Baseaball was my biggest and play in various amatuer leagues until I was 28. I started to slowly add weight from eating bad and inactivity. I started 2008 at 235 and started to get back into shap. At Sept I was 195 and no goal but just working out. I had a friend that had done a tri and I got interested and being the competitive person I am decided I wanted to do one.

FAMILY STATUS: Married to the perfect woman Kristy with 13 yo Step Son, 11 yo Twin Boys and a 1 yo little girl

CURRENT TRAINING: I'm currently preparing for the Texas Motor Speedway Dual on 2-23-09. 2 mile 15 mile 2 mile. This will be my first event ever. About the time I decided to do this of course right as I decided to do this the first of Oct. I tore my calf muscle. The tried to get back on it to early. Right now Biking on a trainer 3 day during the week for 45 minutes since that doesnt bother it and running slow pace on the treadmill. Started doing 1 mile a session 5 days a week the first of Dec and building that by .25 mile per week if pain free. I think I will need the biggest help on the bike since I have never rode a real bike before this.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: None 2009 RACES: TMS Dual 2-23-09, Looking at doing a Sprint in April/May and another in August. My goal is to do the Longhorn Austin HIM in October.

WEIGHTLOSS: Currently about 205 and want to get to 185-190 by end of Feb and then maintain a 180-185 the rest of the year.

Just wanted to say Hello to everyone!  I have enjoyed reading everyone's stories, and I am looking forward to learning something from everyone, being inspired by each of you, and hoping to lend a little inspiration or motivation your way.  Here's to a great start to a wonderful year of training, TRI's and all the fun that follows!

Thanks Eric for starting the group, being a mentor and welcoming us all in... BT rocks!

Hi Everyone!

First, I wanted to second Justin's post.....it was fun to read everyone else's stories.  I think we have a great group!  So, here's my story....

Name: I was very creative with this one....I'll give you one guess to figure it out.

Story: I've run on and off for years and have always been active.  In 2005 I watched a friend complete her first triathlon.  At that point I'd heard of triathlon, I knew what it was but had never actually seen one.  I watched the entire race in awe...it looked so exciting and so amazing to me.  And it really inspired me to want give triathlon a shot.  It took me nearly 3 years to work up the courage, but this year I finally did it!  Until this year I had never learned to swim properly.  After months of watching countless YouTube videos, reading a few books, taking in more pool water than I care to think about I taught myself to swim.  In the beginning I thought I'd be able to tolerate swimming and if I was lucky maybe I'd grow to like it.  I'm so happy to say that I've grown to love swimming!  I knew I was hooked before I even did my first race.  I really, really enjoyed all the training.  While I see areas that I can improve, I'm really happy with my first season of triathlon.  For 2009 I want to get faster and stronger, do more races, start doing Olympic distance races and maybe a HIM late in the season.

Family Status: Single

Current Training: I'll admit for the past couple months I've been a complete slacker.  But, the beginning of December I started getting myself back on track!  I ride the trainer a fair amount...I usually shoot for about 4 times a week.  After the holidays I'm planning to get on a better schedule...swimming twice a week and for now running at least 20 miles a week.  I tend to train better when I follow a training plan.

This Year's Races: 2008 was my first season of triathlon.  I did 3 sprints, one of which was an ocean swim ...very interesting to say the least.  I've definitely learned a lot this season and had a great time!

2009 Races: I'm starting off the season with the DC Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run (4/5), and am also registered for the NYC Tri (7/26).  Also planning on a handful of sprints and oly's.  I'm sure I'll also do a number of 5k, 10k and 4 & 5 mile races throughout the season.  My big/reach goal is to do a HIM....I just want to make sure it's not too lofty a goal for my second season.

This is what I did... write down everyone's usernames and enter them into the "friends" section of the training log.  If you click on the square button to the right of the blank you can search the name and then click on it to add it.  Try that and see if it works for ya.  Everyone's picture/username should show up in the friends section in your training log. 

I stole/copied the link from the Instructions page...

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/training/edit-controlpanel.asp

Justin -  I just have to say I love your avatar. I am a big doggie lover!

Good luck everyone. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better! Hopefully we can all inspire each other to train hard and race even harder! I absolutely love this sport and the people who do it. I couldn't think of a better hobby!!

I love the energy!  You'll have a blast in your first tri and it sounds like you have the biking/running down. What kind of swimming are you doing? Make sure to try and get in some open water swims before your races if at all possible.  I've had a few friends that could swim 1000+ in the pool but couldn't handle a 300-500yds in open water...

Not sure if you noticed but Bill is looking to do the Chicago olympic as well... There is plenty of time to prepare for the race, just need to stay consistent with the workouts and you'll be fine. 

Have you been able to get any swimming in? I saw in your log you were sore and depending on your swimming ability a swim can be a good way to give your legs a break and stretch a bit.

If your legs are sore from lifting... don't let your lifting get in the way of your cardio workouts. You'll get much more out of doing a swim/bike/run for a triathlon then any weight lifting session especially when first starting.

Welcome to the sport! The people are great and the races are a blast!