Beth and Yanti's New Manatees - FULL! :-)

NAME: Noony (nathalie) 

STORY: I've been tri-ing since 2006.  I first found BT and triathlons by reading about Michael Pates story (When Big Boys Tri) and it inspired me to get moving.  I lost 40 pounds the first year.  I've struggled to maintain weight loss and training between seasons. I'd like to make great strides this season so that I won't slip as much during the off season. 

FAMILY STATUS: Married, No kids yet, 2 cats and 1 fish. 

CURRENT TRAINING:  I'm trying to get back off the couch into a regular training habit.  I will starting a HIM training plan in January. 

2009 RACES: I'm shooting for an HIM in June, Eagleman.  I'm not sure that I will be able to pull it off.  I'm slow and out of shape but I'm going to train for it.  In order to complete it, I need to lose weight. I have also signed up for a Spring, IronGirl Columbia in August. 

WEIGHTLOSS: I'm heavy and need to lose quite a bit of weight.  Before the HIM, I'd like to take off 40-50 pounds. I recently signed up for the nutritional coaching on BT.  

I'm looking forward to being part of a group.  It will increase my accountability and I'm hoping will increase my motivation.    

 Thanks for mentoring.....  

I'd like to join the group!  Reno8 and I are training for a half-ironman in September, after doing our first ever sprint tri this June...seems pretty ambitious!  So I'm looking for all the help I can get!

I started thinking about doing a triathlon in September 2007, shortly before my 54th birthday.  At the time it seemed like an outrageous idea, but I started talking to people about it, and it grew.  People said, "That sounds like fun" or "I've always wanted to do one of those" or "My husband does them and he's always wanted me to join him".  Before long, I had 60 people on an email distribution list that's now grown to over 200.  I recruited Reno to help with the training plan and he found BT.  I continued to promote it, found resources to help us in our training and in June of 2008, 42 members of our group successfully completed a sprint triathlon at Callaway Gardens, 40 of those were first-timers.  What a rush!  I was hooked, both on triathlons and on helping others to get off the couch and accomplish something they never thought possible.  As a chiropractor, I've "told" people to exercise thousands of times; inviting them to do this with me was immensely more powerful--lives were changed! We're starting up again to train beginners for next year's Callaway event and I've got a committee to help me now. 

Meanwhile, my personal training goals include doing the Disney marathon in January, a couple of Olympics in the summer and the half IM in September.  As I say, fairly ambitious for a 50+ beginner.  I'm a good swimmer, but slow.  I love the bike but have hit a plateau in speed with that as well.  Running is my weakest, which is why I agreed to do the marathon, thinking training for it would build up that part of the game. 

I'm looking forward to this year, and I know being part of this group will be great for me!

Susan

I'm in for the Manatees v2.0

Name:  Steve

Story:  Started training for tri's in late 2007 with my Chiropractor (BT-sahooper) and a group of other beginners.  Did my first sprint in June.  I was hooked.  My background is in running and I really love to swim...(cough, cough) 

Family Status:  Married (for frickin EVER) 3 kids and 3 grandkids. 

Current Training:  Right now I am in taper for the Disney Marathon and I will start up with my Oly program as soon as I have recovered from that.

2009 Races:  Disney Marathon (Jan), Oly Tri (May), Sprint (June), Century Bike (July), Augusta 70.3 (Sept) and several 5k and 10k races thrown in during the year.

Weight Loss:  While weight loss was not a specific goal of starting this journey, I have dropped about15-18 pounds and my BF% has dropped from 28% to around 24% with a goal to be at about 20% by this fall.

I am sure this will be a great group with 2 of the finest people on BT as our mentors.

Steve

Welcome Nathalie!  We look forward to getting to know you!  The mentor groups are a great resource for accountability and motivation.

Have you decided on a training plan?  June is six months away and with the right approach to training, you should be able to be ready.

Yanti will have better insights into this as she has completed the longer distances.

Hi Erin!  Welcome back!

Hi Susan!  That's a great story!  How awesome and rewarding for your to be a part of helping people change their lives in such a positive way.  

Not only do you 'talk the talk' you 'walk the walk', something which I'm your patients respect and appreciate.

Welcome to the Manatees

Hi Steve!

welcome back!  

You have a great year lined up and I know that 2009 will be a wonderful year of firsts!

Repeat after me, I love to swim, I love to swim, I love to swim - that wasn't so hard was it?

I'd love to join this group! The manatee is my favorite sea creature- so I can't go wrong, right?

 About me: My name is Samantha, but everyone calls me Sam. My journey in tri started last Feb when my hubby (Tryin Mike) said that we ought to try a tri. I mean afterall we both had a running background and had been RPM (spinning-type) classes at our gym for a couple of months. So, we gave it a try and found that we LOVED it!! I hadn't been in a pool, swimming laps, in many many years. That was my challenge. That was also where I made the biggest gains, endurance- wise. 

 During my journey, I have read every tri book that I could get my hands on, settling on Matt Fiztgerald's Triathlete Magazine books as my favs. I found an Olympic distance program that I followed to a "t". My A race last year was to be an Oly; but the race was run by a bunch of college kids who managed to get the race cancelled three weeks prior and then back on, but at a different venue with different swim distance the week of.. So, I made another race my A race. Did 2 tri's last year, ran 2 10k's (set PR), and a 5K, which I won 1st place women's and set a PR. 

 My weightloss journey has been challenging. At my heaviest I weighed 224lbs. Today, I weigh 147. I have tried every diet known to man! WW has the been the key to my success. I made goal 1/16/08 and have kept it off. I'd like to get into the 130's.. that's my next goal. 

 I'd like to join this group, because I have found that at the gym, I love group fitness. I do a strength-training class called BodyPump 3x's a week and RPM at least 1-2 x's week (especially now that it's winter and too cold to go out on my bike). I'm lucky because hubby does tri too. No kids, unless you count  a dog and 5 cats!! Anyway, I'd like to have the motivation of a group; someone to push me , encourage me, and for me to do that to others as well. I love this sport!! My "down" time is over, and it's time to get to work!!

Race plan for 2009: 4/19, sprint (indoor pool swim), 5/30, longer sprint- almost oly distance, 7/11, longer sprint, 8/16, hopefully oly (A race?), 9/12, longer sprint 

 I hope you'll take me and I really look forward to getting to know all of you!! 

NAME: Ronen

STORY: Back in late 2006, reviewing my blood test result, I knew that I had to do something about it, unless I wanted to get a hart attack or a stroke within the next couple of years. Then, to my birthday, I got an iPod. I had to find a good use to it and decided to start running. I wanted to loose weight, get fitter, healthier and do whatever I can to improve my follow-up blood tests. I visited a cardiologist which gave me a green light to start training and I followed a "couch to 5K" training plan - which took me forever to complete. Slowly, I started running longer distances, and by April of 2007, I completed my first half marathon. It was hard and challenging but I was really proud of it. Between April and June of 2007, I started looking for a new job and in June of 2007 we moved from NJ to San Diego, CA. I then decided to look into triathlons and was so happy to find a local tri club which was (and still is) very supportive, friendly and welcoming. I decided to join, not knowing much about what a triathlon really meant. I started swimming in a local pool and slowly gained confidence. I had never learned how to swim so it was a challenge for me. I decided to buy my first wetsuit and race a sprint tri in October of 2007. My first race was a club race (a monthly race organized by the club and is free to all members). It was pretty pathetic but I learned a whole lot. I barely could finish the 800 meter swim, I finished last the bike leg on my old mountain bike and finished the run, when most other people were already in their cars on their way home... Since then, I raced a few more sprints and one Olympic. I raced 3 half marathons as well. I joined a master swimming group about 3 months ago and swim 3 times a week. I spin 2 times a week and train for my first marathon now.

FAMILY STATUS: I am married with 3 kids.

CURRENT TRAINING:  Swimming: Masters program with a great coach. 3 times a week - at 5:30AM. Bike: I take 2 spin classes a week. Running: I currently train for my first full marathon and follow Hal Higdon's novice marathon training plan.

2009 RACES:

Jan-25 - Carlsbad full marathon

March-? - SuperSeal Olympic tri

October-? - SOMA HIM tri

WEIGHTLOSS: Weight was always a challenge for me. During 2008, I lost about 20 lbs and I feel great. I am, relatively, a tall guy and I'll always be a Clyde...

Welcome, Sam! It's great to have you on board. Many of us have weight loss success stories and are also trying to continue on that journey. Kudos, and also for educating yourself so much on tri! Beth and I take seriously that everyone has experience and wisdom to share, so thanks so much for what you bring to the group, and being open to learning from all of us as well.

Hi, Ronen! Welcome to the Manatees! Congrats on finishing your first tri (I have a similar story about just struggling to finish my first one) and on your running success. It's going to be fantastic to watch your journey as you finish your first marathon. You've made great changes in your life and it's great to have you on board with a group of people who have done and are continuing to do so!

Would you mind if I tried joining in?

This will be my third season of tris, and I will be attempting my first HIM. I'm slow and overweight, and for some reason I have the urge to shoot for an IM in the next year or so.  

I'm 30 years old and currently hover around the 250 mark.  I've been there for about a year, my lowest weight to date being 233 (I will get that back, dammit!).  I'm in a relationship with a great guy who, unfortunately lives a number of states away (and may be taking an assignment in a totally different country), but he's supportive in what I'm doing and we plan to do a 1/2 mary together sometime in the future.

I haven't been doing tri-specific training for several months, instead opting for more strength type training in the form of bootcamp.  However, with the HIM on my plate (and already paid for!), I know I will have to work on that.  

I'll be honest, I can suck at groups.  I get distracted and ...(oo, look, something shiny...)

Anyway, I'll do my darndest to be a good manatee...I promise...

Will you welcome me to the pod?  (What is a group of Manatees called?  hmmm)

Hey Manatees....I joined another mentor group already...not 'cuz I don't love you all, but just to keep on meeting more BTers and allow others to absorb Beth and Yanti's awesome knowledge.  I will stop by and say hi, as a cheerleader, if that's ok?  I have enjoyed the last year connected to you all at the hip!    Please don't forget to cheer back once in a while, ok??

--Leslie

Welcome John!

You are among many that are gratefully addicted.  I love the way you got into doing triathlons, it actually mirrors my experience a bit.

We look forward to getting to know you!

Of course we welcome you Peggy!

ps

I think a group of Manatees is called a heard, but I kind of like pod

Hi Leslie!

absolutely stop by and cheer!  we will miss you

Hey Beth and Yanti

 I would like to join your mentor group {cause it looks like you guys have alot of fun}

 I am new to the tri-scene and have never competed in a race outside of my high school swim team or baseball team... years ago.... about four years ago I decided although "round" is a shape it's not the shape I want to be in any more, so I dropped about 60lbs with great support from my wife, and did it :-} still want to drop about 20 more

 I now run or bike about two to three times a week, and looking to get back into swimming which I still consider my strength

 I have my eye on a local sprint or oly tri in march I feel with the right coaching I am ready to take on this challenge, just like a lot of people I am trying to balance my work out time and family time, cause I have such a blast with my kids and wife everyday

 looking forward to this new journey

 ~Chad

Hi Chad!  Welcome to the Manatees!  you are right, we do have a lot of fun!  I can totally relate to the need to balance workout, work and family time - it can be tough, but it can be done

Let's start this thing off with Beth telling everyone how her run went today......Well Beth...what say you?

Steve

Steve, you are a rascal!

ok, so let's just say I had the most amazing run of my life , seriously I can't stop smiling

I ran my longest distance ever, 7 miles!

I'm training for a 1/2 Mary at the end of January, so I'm working my way up in the distance - having only done Oly's before, this is moving into new territory for me

I felt really good about the approach, the pace, and the outcome

the best part is that I felt like I could have kept on going

Hello.  I was wondering if I could join your merry group?  I have a lot to learn but just as much to give.   I promise I'll play nice...

NAME:  Suzie aka Dr Hammer (I do research on hammer throw among other things)STORY: The story.  I have been active all my life.  I love the adrenaline that comes with many extreme activities.   I played 4 sports in high school.  I got to concentrate on running in college.   Yes Virginia. I am one of those that like to run.  I learned how to “swim” (trust me on this one) when I had a back injury my senior year in college.  I could run on land for 10-15 minute then was sent to the pool for deep water running and laps. I did this most of the fall and was still the teams #3 runner that year.  I would use biking and swimming as a cross training tool during outdoor and summers.  Funny, I was doing all the disciplines but never put them together.  I started into tri- when I was finishing up work on a degree. 

The last 2 ½ years have been tough.  I finished my degree, changed positions 2xs, moved 2xs, and dedicated myself to work.  I thought my decrease in fitness and health was due to my inability to train properly because of all the above.  Those were contributors but a significant health issue was more the culprit.  I started testing for it in the Fall of 2007 and was diagnosed Mar 17, 2008.  I underwent surgery and treatment duing spring and summer.  This summer and fall were rough.  I have been “trying” to get back in to working out.  I get angry/mad/frustrated by the fact that I had done everything right (ate right, maintained a healthy weight, had a good fitness level, slept appropriately) but I still got it.   As a result, I rebelled against working out and eating right.  ‘Why do it?’ is what I thought.  I know I can’t have a permanent pity party. So, I am working on getting back into decent condition.  I didn’t think I was that sick or had fallen that far out of shape.  Hello!  Can you say ‘rude awakening’????  Can you say ‘smell the coffee’?

My problems are open water swim fear and finishing what I start. Swimming is my weakest portion.  I haven’t been in OW since I left UT.  I love to train but racing scares the hell out of me now.  I admit I am not used to being MOP.  I am used to finishing at the top.   I don’t like to lose.  I know I have to redefine what “winning” is.  It will help me.  I need more accountability towards my workouts and planned races so I can acheive my goals.

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently, working on regaining fitness and strength.  It has been very humbling how quickly things go south.  I have been running pretty steadily for the last 3 months.  I added wgt. training a couple weeks ago.  This was after I realized how much strength I had lost since surgery and treatment.  I am seriously weak.  After the first of the year, I will be back in the pool and on the bike.  I am able to write programs and tweak programs due to my education and work background.    So, I have a plan ready to go.   I am currently building running mileage so I can run in a 1/2 in the spring.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: None. 

2009 RACES: (to start if my schedule works.  others to come.)

Mar 15th – Little Rock ½ Marathon (Anniversary run)

April – Remember the 10 – 10K

Sept 19th  - Half Redman  

WEIGHTLOSS: Yes, please.  I gained some weight over the last 2 1/2 years due to finishing a degree, moving, and health matters.  I need to lose 20 pounds.