Big Daddy Diesels New to the Sport Group - Full

I would like to join your mentor group because of your statement, “I…believe anyone can cross a finish line”.  If you can help me get across the finish line it will truly be an accomplishment for both of us.

NAME: rpframe/Rachel

STORY: I made a commitment to myself 3 years ago that when I was 45 I would run a triathlon.  I turn 46 in August.  I really want to keep this commitment to myself.

I have a couple of challenges to overcome and some fears.

Challenge #1-Health.  I am obese.  It will be interesting to see if I can run at all.  I hope that the right kind of support will help.  I also have type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure.  My doctor tells me a gastric bypass would be take care of these.  I don’t want to do that.  I keep hoping diet and exercise are my only other options.

Challenge #2-Depression.  I have fought depression most of my life.  I have a therapist and I am on medication but I still succumb from time to time.  The first things that go when I am depressed are diet and exercise.  Then everything else falls apart.

Challenge #3-Running-When I told my husband I was going to do a triathlon he said, "I have never seen you run!  You don't run!"  It is true.  As soon as I was able, I quit running.  I hated it.  I am worried about my ankles, hip, and knees as well.  I have been walking a lot faster during the run portion of the plan.  I tried running when I played baseball with my boys.  I couldn’t actually do it.  My feet never left the ground.  I figure that if I keep exercising then eventually I will be able to run.

Challenge #4-Biking-I did okay on the training bikes at the Y but every time I get on my real bike, I can’t get very far at all, not even a mile.  I can’t seem to figure out how the gears work.

Fear #1-Failure-I have been planning this for 3 years and have yet to be consistent in exercising.  I am on this site so I will feel accountable to someone other than myself, who I let down regularly.

Fear #2-Depression-I have inherited my father's depression problems.  It interferes with getting out of bed and doing anything, let alone exercising.  It has gotten in the way of many goals of mine.  I am hoping that exercise will help with it.  I am medicated so I don't get suicidal anymore, but I still struggle with it on a daily basis.

FAMILY STATUS: I am 45 Married with 6 boys, ages 22, 20, 17, 15, 10, and 8. The 10 and 8 year olds have autism and the youngest has a brain tumor that for now is not growing.  Yeah, I know, I’m stressed out. I live in Katy, Texas just outside of Houston.

CURRENT TRAINING: Restarting the Michael Pates Total Sprint Program.  December totally did me in.  I kept walking but swimming and biking didn’t happen.

STORY: Have been fairly athletic my whole life. Swam competitively up until half way through high school.  Took up rowing (crew) in high school, which one of the best experiences of my life.  Was recruited by several college but chose to focus on academics instead. Majored in Exercise Sport Science in college in hopes of going into physical therapy school, but changed my mind. Stayed fairly active in college but that has drifted off some. Currently taking a year off of school and applying to graduate school. Teach group fitness some and do some personal training. Finding motivation to do my own workout can be difficult and I've gotten into a rut, so I'm hoping a triathlon will help me out.

FAMILY STATUS:  Single

WEIGHT LOSS: Ok with my current weight

2011 Races: A few 5ks, Crystal Coast Half Marathon (March), I hope to complete a sprint triathlon in May.

WHY I WANT TO BE YOUR MENTEE:  I have a knowledge of exercise, health, and fitness but often lack the motivation to exercise myself. I have always wanted to complete a triathlon and hope your knowledge will help me do so.

I would very much like to TRI again with this group!

NAME: Tim

STORY: I am a soon to be 49 years old in Feb.  I did complete my first sprint tri last year after an inconsistent training start.  My goal was to do 3 sprints.  Unfortunately, I did one, skipped one, and gave up in the bike phase of the last one.  BD, I know you are seeking newbies but, your blurb on finishing has caught my attention as I am determine to finish the goal I started last year.  I work a rotating shift and my family was not as supportive of me as I had hoped.  In the end I let it get in my head.  My failure last year was more mental than phyiscal.  with this group's help I am hoping to reverse that.

FAMILY STATUS:  Married with 3 girls, 2 still at home.

CURRENT TRAINING: I am starting out with the 2nd week of the 22 week couch to tri program.  Unlike last year though, I am also planning on incorporating the work out regime from the Body for Life program.  Today, is my first day.


2011 RACES:  

The Tri for Joe Sprint at Coney Island (Cincinnati)
The Fit to Fight Sprint at Mason
The Sprint at Hueston Woods at the end of summer.

WEIGHT LOSS:  At 5'10 242lbs, I plan on seeing some significant weight loss by the end of Summer.  I am not worried so much about making weight loss a goal, but, to be under 200lbs by Sept would be excellent!

WHY I WANT TO BE YOUR MENTEE: Like others have mentioned, I need all the support and direction I can get!!  I know from last year that a mentor group can be a HUGE motivator... if you use it regularly.  Because of how I let myself down last year, I see this as a do over, so I am starting from scratch but, I am more aware of where my weaknesses are/were.  I think I can add some insight to folks in the group by letting you know what had helped and held me back. The largest battle I feel I am faced with is mental.  This group's diversity, I believe will help me get through this year on a much more positive note.  Again your thoughts on battling against yourself and finishing, hit home with me.

I am totally cleared to exercise.  I see my doctor every 4 to 6 weeks for monitoring and blood work.  My doctors admonish me to exercise.  She tells me to walk, bike or swim because it is easier on the joints.  I guess I have taken her up on all three.

Walking-I can walk 2 ½ miles without much problems.  It takes about 50 minutes so I am sure I can do 3.1 miles in 1 ½ hours.  I like the idea of the 10% incline when I walk indoors but I admit to hating the treadmill.  It is good for bad weather days though.

Swimming-My main issues with swimming are-It turns my hair green (lol) and loosing count of the laps I have done, and just being slow.   I think as my fitness increases my speed will increase as well.  For warm up and cool down I walk/jog the pool length. 

Biking-This is my true challenge.  I was doing okay on the bikes at the Y until week 11 and the holidays.  It is outside I have trouble with. It is a totally different feel.   I think the advice you gave for walking/running from driveway to driveway could be helpful on the bike.  Ride for a block or two and push the bike for a block or two. 

Diet-(not dieting) I struggle with fruits and vegetables.  I’ll keep trying.  I have to reset my goals on that because the last couple of weeks I haven’t been eating them.

One thing to know about me.  Once I set a goal, I don’t give up.  I fall down, fall over, jump off the wagon, get knocked off, but I always get back up, back on and try again.  To quit for me is to cause a major depressive episode and the only way out is to try again so I will keep trying until I succeed even if it takes the rest of my life.

Rachel