Shermbelle's Group Full to the brim

Hi Michael,

My name is Ken and want to start training for triathlons...  The "shorter" ones!    Specifically, there are a few mini-sprints(tune-up races) in Manassas, VA: 250yd swim, 4m bike, & 1.4m run.  The first is March 29 and the next one is in June.  After that, I'll start looking at longer distance races.

As for me, married, 39, with two tots in diapers: 21 months and 5 months.  Always been athletic and never had to worry about weight 'til recently.  I am 40-50lbs overweight at the moment and am looking to lose all of it, but realize I need to set small goals.  Hence, one of the reasons I am shooting for the mini-sprints.

I started training a few weeks ago with some HIIT biking sessions and 2-3 mile walk/runs and just got some new goggles for Christmas for the swimming.  I have a mt. bike, but am looking to get a good deal on an '08 road bike.  So, I'll be geared to train.

My weaknesses: a weak core(body) and sometimes lack the time to train. 

So, I am looking forward to some advice and support.

Welcome Ken,

sounds like we have a lot in common. I too need to lose 40-50 and in about 12 hours will have 2 in diapers.

Welcome to the group. Small steps is how it is started and the sky is the limit. Fire off any questions you have and once we get our group together we will do some fun challenges to keep everyone interested and motivated.

First; congratulations, good health, and many happy moments on your new addition.  Who needs tri-training with two, right?!?! 

I am glad that we have the same goals and am looking forward to chatting w/ you. 

Thanks, baby is out. Carter William, 10 pounds 2 oz. Dang might have and offensive lineman on my hands.

I think I might need more tri training just to stay fit to keep up with these two in a couple of years.

Hi Jill,

Welcome aboard and a wishful speedy recovery for your husband!

I have to admit I am a bit embarrassed with my goals compared to yours.  Maybe I'll bump mine up a bit.    Looking forward to taking this journey with you and Michael.

Take care,

Ken

Welcome Jill,

Sounds like some achievable goals. Hope recovery is speedy for your husband. Great job on getting on the treadmill. That is half of the battle just getting ourselves to start the workout and usually it will end up great if we can just make ourselves take that first step.

So again welcome and for the record jealous of your weather down there, sure beats Michigan winters!

Hi Trudee,

Welcome aboard! 

2nd degree BB?!?!  Nice!  I train in BJJ, Muay Thai, and CSW.  Well, when life lets me.  If I could train those all the time I wouldn't need to do cardio.    Talk about a workout!

I've also thought about the video from www.triswimcoach.com.  I started a thread asking the same question and got a decent thread or two.  Here is the thread: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=142974&posts=9&start=1

I'd still like to inquire more about that video though.

Hi Michael.. Congrats on the baby..

My goal is to complete my first sprint on April 11th.  It is a 1/4 mile swim, 13 mile bike and 3 mile run.  My real goal is to finish the first one do better in the second one wether that be in July or August I don't know.  I have been training off and on in Nov.  and then starting in Dec. I really buckled down and have been trying to be more regular about it.  I have been posting my work outs on the training logs.. and am having my first swim lesson tonight. 

Thanks and I look forward to it all..

Tammy

Hi! I would like to join this group too! I am new to New to Beginner Triathlete! Heck I was so inspired by this group, I just knew it was for me so I registered!!

Background: I have got my feet wet with triathlons. Last year I did a sprint relay, this year I did an all women super-sprint and to finish the season I did the real thing..well a legitimate sprint race. 

Family: I'm 32 and married to my triathlon husband (who got me interested in the sport) of 9 years. We live near Salt Lake City Utah and have two crazy, crazy, little boys 4 and 2. I can't blame them, but my lifestyle as a stay at home mom has wrecked havoc on the healthy me. Before son #1 came along I had lost 30 lbs, was a pretty avid gym goer etc. That is pretty much down the toilet BUT I am desperate to get my body back again!

Current training: In September I did my last triathlon with minimal training (not good!!!) followed by a family vacation hiking in Rocky Mt. National Park, followed by a neighborhood fun run. Needless to say I ended up tearing my meniscus (ligament in the knee) and am awaiting a scope on Jan 22nd. I have been trying to stay in shape by biking and swimming a couple days a week. Dr. says I should be good as new in a month or so, and definitely ready for a triathlon in March or April. I am desperately needing some motivation!

09 Races: Just a couple! Balancing two training triathletes and two kids...a little nuts! I would like to do: Vikingman-Aquabike (I am loving no running especially with the bum knee) in Burley ID, and possibly the Blacktail Tri in Idaho Falls (Utah triathlons are too expensive for beginner me)

Weightloss: This is huge! I really want to take back what I have done to myself the last 4 years! First goal is 17 lbs gone by June. My anniversary, and hubby is taking me to Hawaii!!! I really just want to feel good! 

What I am looking for: The AquaBike event is big for me. 1.2 mile swim, and a 56 mile bike ride! Wowzers! How does a person train for that? Looking forward to getting to know all of you! Rebecca

Okay Trudee, Tammy, James, Rebecca are all in. I will update more tomorrow when I have a few more hours of sleep under me and I can focus again.

Welcome all to our group. Probably take on a few more up to around 10 or so and then close it out like this year!

Hye guys-

Just wanted to give some personal information, I was in a time crunch last night when I posted.

I was an athelete (softball) in high school, but that was  15 years ago.  I have twin boys that are 15, and have been married for 11 years.  My family is very supportive and are excited about being my "pit crew". 

I also would like to lose about 40 more pounds.  I didn't realize how much I had let myself go until I was weighing in at about 200 lbs, I am only 5'2.  I lost 30 lbs on weight watchers 2 years ago and have kept it off, I know the rest is going to have to be excerise and good eating.

I enjoy my work outs way more than I did in the begining, and actually feel pretty good about my self.  I ordered my tri suit already and have it hanging on my wall as a reminder as to why I am doing this.  I really just want to finish the first one and then build from there.  As I said earlier, April 11th is my date.  The one I selected was specific about the run and bike that it was flat and great for 1st timers...

 I really amd excited and hope to give as much feedback as I get.

tammy

  "Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive... then go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. "Howard Thurman

Hi Trudee!  I think you are off to a great start.  Everything will feel awkward at first and I am expecting a HUGE feeling of being uncomfortable/dorky when I hit the pool.  When I do, I'll probably spend 90% of my time on a certain technique and then try incorporating some of the other ones during the last 10%.  For me, it'll be about trying to learn one before the other and alternate after each session.

As far as water in the nose...  I hate that, but I found that if I mildly "hmmmmm" during the times I am not taking a breath, it works well.

A Garmin 305 for $150?  I'd say get it if you can.  They're normally over $250'ish.

I love buffalo wings!    Swimming can be dangerous for the waistline because you are depleting your energy stores in two ways: body heat loss & cardio.  Both of which will make you very hungry as your body tries to make up for your effort.  Sort of a double whammy.  When I used to scuba-dive, there would always be some fruit afterwards, but only enough for a few bites.  So, basically, just enough to satisfy the cravings.  After a few minutes, the hunger would go away.  So, take an apple(fruit) and eat it on the way home.  That may help.

 For speed, trying doing HIITs when running/biking.  They seem to be working for me.

Sorry to be so long-winded and I hope it helps.  By the way, I used to be a personal trainer in my youth.  So, I may be able to help in those areas.

Hi Michael and everyone,

I would like to join your group if there is still room for one more.

Name: Irwin

Location: St. Louis, MO 

Story: I was moderately athletic during my early years through my mid 20's, played soccer when I was a kid, tennis and basketball through high school and into college. Slowly morphed into more couch time in my late 20's, early 30's. Started running August 2007, finished 3 half marathons, 1 hurricane-shortened half marathon, and various road races from 5K's to 15K's. Sustained a running knee injury after my 2nd half and had to shut it down for 6 weeks. What do you do when you can't run? Buy a bike, of course! Started lap swimming once a week in Dec. 2007 as a cross-training activity to complement the running. Did my first sprint tri in July, followed it up with 2 more sprints shortly after. My first tri season ended prematurely after I fractured two metacarpals in my left hand.

Family: Single, you'd think I would have lots of time to train, but I'm finding that to be just as challenging.

Current training: Working my way towards my first Oly, St. Anthony's at the end of April. I'm training and fundraising with Team In Training.

Goals for 09: Depending on how St. Anthony's goes, do a few more sprints and olys and possibly tackle a HIM in late September. Augusta 70.3 is my target. Not sure I'll be ready for a HIM by then, but I'm willing to give it a shot.

Looking forward to getting to know the rest of the group! Thanks.

Trudee,

First, I just got an email from www.triswimcoach.com  in which I inquired if the DVD was for beginners and Kevin emailed back and said, "it's aimed for beginners".

For HIIT, it's all up to you.  The more advanced HIIT'ers will do 1/1(high/low) splits, but you'll see benefits from any of the combinations you mentioned.  I think the key concept to remember is "percentage" as opposed to cadence.  Your "highs" should be 80%-90% capacity and "lows" 30%-50%.  Of course, those numbers change depending on who you talk to, but as your endurance/stamina increases, so does your "80%-90%".  See what I mean?  That way you'll never have to worry about cadence.  It also lends itself to your bodies effectiveness on any given day.  80% on "bad" days is much different on than 80% on "good" days.  So, it's sort of a "listen to your body" and do what it asks.

Caution: HIIT for running is far more prone to injury than biking.  I do my intense HIIT on the bike and tone it down for running since there are many more variables you have to account for.  Fir running, I do 1/2 splits at 60%-70% & 20%-30% and then mix in a .5/1 split at 70%-80% & 30%-40%.  I even do 2/2 or 1/3.  Just depends on how I feel.

For tri's, I think the speed will come from the endurance we have and not so much "pure" speed.  The longer you can swim, bike, and run at a certain pace will get you to the finish line faster. Of course, I your neck-and-neck with someone and there's a "race" to the finish line, that's when you want that burst of "pure" speed.  HIIT will help with both.

I ramble, so cut me off if need be. 

Hey  Irwin, you are in.

Sounds like you are in good company with your life situations and training goals. Finding time and making time is key, being consistent is the fastest way to get in shape and meet your goals. (I need to hear that and follow it myself)

Trudee-

I am going with a few swim lessons to re-orient my self in the water.. I had my first lesson last night and only almost drowned twice.  But she gave me a lot of information and tips to work on for the next 2 weeks before my next lesson. 

As far as the cap goes, i would think you want to put it up in a ponytail and then put the cap over the top.. keeps it all tucked in.. but then I have short hair..