Lora's Just Us Girls Group - CLOSED

Name
Lora109/Lora

Story
I came to the sport of triathlon with absolutely no background in swimming, biking or running.  I could never even put my face in the water because I could not stand the water up my nose.  I was my high school track team’s equipment manager and honestly never thought I could run.  Biking?  Well, I hadn’t been on a bike since junior high.

With each passing birthday, staying fit became a higher priority.  I needed something extreme to keep me motivated and challenged, though, and nothing was fitting the bill.  One day, I saw an interview with Chef Rocco DiSpirito on the Today Show.  He said he’d been doing triathlons as of late.  I thought, “Hmm.  Triathlons.”

I did some research here on BT and realized this was something I really could do.  Sure it would be difficult, but it was attainable if I put in the work.

I’ve now found a new passion for this sport because it has brought to my attention the potential that had been lying within me this entire time I’d spent thinking I couldn’t.  I love talking about it, writing about it and encouraging others in it.

If you want, you can check out the video in my Profile.  It does a pretty good – albeit cheesy – job of telling my story. 

Family Status
Married with step-kids and 2 large dogs.

Current Training
I'm still trying to find my off season, winter groove. I'm only training about three days a week right now, but I'm doing an indoor tri for the first time next month, so that's really helping to get me energized. (During regular season, I have to make myself take rest days I love training so much!)

Last Year’s Races
4/18/09: Miami University Sprint Tri
6/27/09: Tri for the Cure Sprint Tri
8/2/09: East Fork Sprint Duathlon (Duathlons are WAY harder than tris, by the way.)
9/27/09: Toyota Challenge Olympic Tri
11/26/09: Friends of Wilmington Parks Turkey Trot 10K

This Year’s Races
1/9/10: Highland County YMCA Indoor Tri
6/6/10:  Deer Creek Olympic Tri
6/26/10: Tri for the Cure Sprint.  This was my very first race, so it'll always be on my list.
9/26/10: Toyota Challenge Half Iron

Weight Loss
I could still be cool with losing another 10 to 15; however, if I have to stay where I am and be able to enjoy the foods that I do, I’m okay with that.

What Will Make Me a Good Mentor
I absolutely love being a triathlete.  Throughout my journey, I’ve realized that I also have a passion for sharing in the joy and excitement others have on their journeys, too.

I have also been a member of four mentor groups over the last couple years on BT, so I understand what I like in a group and I hope to pay it forward.

Housekeeping
I'm keeping the group very small (5-8 women). Because I work full time, I want to make sure I can give everyone kick-butt attention.

So, if you'd like to come on board, just cut and paste my bio information into your Reply. Take out my stuff, of course, and replace it with your own.

Lora, I get to see this!! I can't wait to start tooo!!!  How are we going to know what is going to happen. Ok I am so excited that I am going to Pee!! Thank you so much for this!!

Hey Lora and group... I'm interested in learning and sharing experiences with this group if possible... In the past 3 years I've lost just over 55 pounds and have gotten the "fitness bug".  I completed one sprint tri last April and looking forward to doing 2 - 3 this spring/summer with the first May 1st-- I only do sprints right now.  I'd like to do better as last year I didn't have a clue.  I love the bike, need to swim better and increase my running pace... so I'm anxious to learn from everyone...  My plan is to start training in January... swimming again by the third week of January... really interested in nutrition advice, hints, favorites, recommendations etc.  AND encouragement.  Ideally I'd like to loose final 20 pounds through this experience.

Name
amyleigh/Amy

Story
I also came to the sport of triathlon with no previous experience in biking or swimming.  I had just a little experience running but nothing over 6 miles.  My younger brother trained for and completed his first Ironman last year in AZ.  He kept after me to run the Indy 500 mini marathon.
I told him there was no way I could run 13 miles.  But I finally accepted the challenge and signed up.  It made me feel so nervous I almost felt sick!  He gave me a training plan and I got busy.  Last May I ran the Indy mini marathon and finished even with a bad leg.  My brother also gave me a transition bag and goggles the night before the mini and told me I should start swimming and I could do the Terre Haute tri with him at the end of May.  I thought he was crazy.  But I thought I might as well "tri." lol  I got a road bike, strated riding and started swimming.  I completed the Terre Haute Tri and I was the last person to finish but I finished!  Then I completed the Sprint portion of the Muncie Endurathon in July.  I volunteered at Ironman Louisville because my brother was a participant.  I got the bug and signed up.  Oh No!!!  I traded in my road bike for a tri bike.  Next I completed a duathlon in September.  Then my brother also participated in Ironman Florida.  I went as a spectator.  It was so exciting and motivating! This past Sat. I just ran a 5k.  Somedays I feel so excited that I have signed up to complete an Ironman and other days I think to myself..."What have I done?"  I really enjoy the training and the challenge.  I have even encouraged a few of my friends to sign up and train for the mini! 

I work full time teaching first grade.  I recently coached a Girls on the Run team at the elementary school where I teach.  We completed a 5k with the girls in November.   It's great to be able to train in the summer and not have to worry about going to work!

Family Status
Married with 2 very active boys 13 and 15.  We stay very busy with soccer, basketball and hockey.  We also have a beagle named Blizzy.

Current Training
Right now just keeping my base and working on my swim.  I  usually swim mornings before work.  Then I can run or bike in the evenings.  My biking is on my trainer during the cold winter weather.  My real training plan goes in effect Dec. 28th. 

Last Year’s Races
May 7, 2009 Indy 500 Mini Marathon
May 30, 2009 Terre Haute Triathlon
July 11, 2009 Muncie Endurathon Sprint
September 17, 2009 Bad to the Bone Duathlon
November 14, 2009 Run in the Park 5k
December 19, 2009 5ks of Christmas

This Year’s Races
May 2010 Indianpolis 500 Mini Marathon
May 2010 Terre Haute Tri
July 2010 Muncie Endurathon 70.3
August 2010 Louisville Ironman

I would love to be a part of this group! 

Name
Skywashed/Marcy

Story
This will be my third season doing triathlons. So far I have only done sprints, due to time constraints and injuries, but I would like to do an Olympic this year.

I am 35, a single mom and I work full time. The first year I took on triathlon training mainly just to see whether I could get the training in around my other responsibilities.  I was surprised at how much I could do and how much I enjoyed the training. (I actually don't enjoy the racing so much Lora, I can really relate when you say you love the training!

Last year it was mainly about seeing how much I could do in spite of a shoulder and knee injury. 

Family Status
Single mom living in Chicago with 6 yr old daughter.

Current Training
I've been really out of the swing. I started taking a grad class at night and its eating up all my free time for training. Also, I just had shoulder surgery on Monday. My immediate plan is to get through the 9-14 wks of physical therapy and back in the pool again.

Last Year’s Races
March: Shamrock Shuffle 8k
May: Galena Duathlon
June: Prairie Sprint Triathlon (Rockton IL)
August: Pleasant Prairie Duathlon 
October: Go Go Green 5k 

This Year’s Races
I haven't decided yet. Contemplating an indoor tri as soon as my shoulder heals. Would like to do Pleasant Prairie or Kickapoo Valley Reserve again.

I think I might be too late. Looks like you already have 8. Is there still room for me? I would love to be a part of this group.

Karen

Name
jgrigg/Jeri
Age: 42

Story
I have always been fairly active, but never competed in anything but team sports.  Following my husband's lead, I started running in 5K races a few years ago.  Although I always enjoy participating, running has never been a passion of mine.  Two years ago I bought a road bike and found my real passion...cycling.  I have done many charity rides and have completed 2 Century rides (100 miles). 

I am interested in a triathalon because I think it would be such a challange.  I would like to learn to be a better swimmer and perhaps training for a triathalon will help me enjoy running more.

Family Status
Married with 1 teenaged daugher.

Current Training
1 hour spin class, once a week.
30 minutes running, once a week.
30 minutes swimming, once a week.
1 hour or so on bike trainer, once a week
1 hour stregth training, twice a week
Wallyball team, 1-2 hours, once a week.
Walking, 45 minutes, 5 days a week (I watch my soap opera while on the treadmill!)
I LIKE VARIETY!!!

Last Year’s Races
Hmmm....can't remember specifics, but here's a guess:

Sept., 2009: 100 mile Century bike ride
May, 2009: 50 mile charity bike ride
May, 2009: 5k run
July, 2009: 5k run
Sept. 2009: 5k run

This Year’s Races

May, 2010: St. Clair Shores 5k
June, 2010: Belle Isle Sprint Triathalon
Sept. 2010: Peach of Ride Century Bike Ride

Weight Loss
Right now I am pretty active but am still about 8 pounds heavier than I am during the warmer months.  I would like to drop that weight BEFORE the spring and summer months, rather than during.  I always feel like I can do more when I am not lugging around extra pounds.

Housekeeping

I work full time and have a husband who works out of State so most of the daily household things are my responsibility.  Most of my spare time is spent at the gym or going to my daughter's school or sporting events.

I really am looking forward to getting to know some new people through this program.  I think that sharing the ups and downs of training with others will be helpful.  I am hoping for encouragement and advice, but at the same time hope that I can motivate others in the group.  I have read about some of the other gals and think that their stories are terrific.

Thank you for having me Lora!