9/10/08: A New Challenge Has Begun

Hey there. I also just decided to start training for a Tri, and have absolutely no idea how to get started. I have layed down a basic nutrition and training plan and tomorrow I start my training. I have a lot more weight to lose first though, So by March I'm hoping to do my first 5k and see how much more work I have to do for my first Tri.

starting 265

Goal 262

Count me in!

I have been struggling with my weight for many years and have yo-yo'd over the past couple. Like many that have suffered the same fate I have invariably ended up heavier than when I started.

In recent times my focus has changed from simply losing weight to being able to compete on the bike. I have been riding consistantly for the last nine months and have joined a couple of groups for weekly rides. I am now a lot fitter and stonger than I was all those months ago but my weight hasn't moved much and as a result I get dropped on the hills and it is very annoying. I have the legs to go with these guys for the 25 to 50 miles that we ride but my weight is really hindering me on the ascents.

I feel that for the first time I have a 'real' reason to lose weight and the focus is on being competitive rather than 'just losing weight for losing weights sake'. I don't know if that sounds reasonable, but it works for me.

I am currently 5'10" and 294lbs and I plan on dropping 2lbs per week. I understand that I will plateau and that there will be obstacles that will conspire against my linear and consistant weight loss but I need a target.

Like Elishia, I work best with short term goals so a weekly weigh-in sounds great.

I will be updating my logs as I go so I would appreciate feedback from you guys to keep me on the straight and narrow. I am always happy to receive some positive support but I do accept that a kick in the back-side may be necessary from time-to-time. So don't hold back if you think I am slacking.

Sorry for the long post but I needed to get this off my chest and put it out there for the world to see.

Looking forward to the next weigh-in. Good luck to all.

Heck, I seem to join all of these (sadly not helping right now , maybe this is the one)

So count me in, I will weigh in tomorrow morning

Welcome you two! I'm so glad new people have joined. I know we are supposed to weigh in Wednesdays only . . . but I did lose .6 pounds yesterday! Woohoo!!!! We'll see if it stays off. Hahaha. I mean, NO, Yes, it WILL stay off! Hoorah!

Just last month, I weighed 184 .  . . I have no idea what happened. Oh, yes, I do . . . fudge rounds and Jimmy John's sandwiches. Crap.

Just wanted to wish everyone luck. I've holding steady at 174 since starting in mid May at 194.

My BMI has decreased from 26% to a bit under 17%. Three weight training sessions a week with a personal trainer and a minimum of 5 cardio sessions per week. Comfortably doing 3 miles at about 12 min run/walk pace.

It's great to see your improvement! It's really encouraging. I do tend to gain a TON of muscle (which isn't my goal as a girl) . . . but not lose a lot of weight, so I will keep your muscle gain/fat loss in mind . . . even when I'm not losing weight.

Right now, I run 1 mile three times a week, do biking for at least 30-45 minutes 2 times a week, and swim for 30 minutes at least 2 times a week. I am starting out slowly as to not hurt my knee. I am also doing lifting 3X a week.

Elishia

Hi Carla--

How tall are you? What's your gender? I was just wondering out of curiosity. How long did it take for you to train for your first triathlon?

Thanks,

Elishia

I'm  5'5" & a female.  I trained regularly from Jan thru May.  I got up to being able to complete the distances, then worked to improve the times.  My last tri is in Oct., then I'm going to start training for a 1/2 mary in March 09.

Thanks for getting back with me so quickly! I am 5'11'' and weigh 195.6 (today--woo!) and am going for 150. I was just trying to compare our goals. I'm a girl, too . . . this is probably a bit repetitive for you--sorry. Well, I have 7 months to get ready for this triathlon . . . I'm glad to know that you didn't do yours in just a couple weeks--like I've seen some people do.

Were you afraid to go down hills on your bike? I am! I've asked my student bikers for tips and they've helped some . . . maybe . . . I think . . .

Thanks,

Elishia

We should come up with a name for the challenge and start a new thread so this stays easy to find. A month from now "a new challenge" wont stand out and there will certinly be newer challenges started. Any sugestions for a name?

-Brad

It took quite some time to get comfortable going fast on the downhills.  I hit 31 mph last night which was my fastest speed I think.  I've only been riding for 1 year, so I'm still pretty new.  My avg. mph is only about 15.  I'm ok with that, b/c it was only 9 when I started.  Running is by far my weakest point.  I started at 15 min. miles which is a pretty slow walk, and my best times now are around 11 minute miles.  My goal for the year was 10 minute miles, so I may still make it.  Swimming is my strongest point.  I can swim for days without stopping, and almost always swim sub 2 minute 100s.  When the other 2 sports get me down, I like to throw in a swim to make me feel better

Sounds good.  Let's think on it tonight and toss out our ideas in the morning?!?!

You can get a reasonable computer for your bike.  They aren't too much.

...and...I am so drooling over your 9:30 min miles.

x2 on the cadence.  That helped my speed as well.