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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() NAME: BikerGrrrl / Emily STORY: I was not athletic growing up and when a friend suggested we do a triathlon together, I surprised myself by saying OK. At that point I enjoyed riding my bike, but really could not swim and had never run. I think I would be a good mentor for those who are very new to athletics. Learning to swim, bike or run and starting from scratch is my expertise - from experience! FAMILY STATUS: I am married, with no kids. I am lucky to have a husband who loves to bike and is my mechanic. THIS YEAR'S RACES: I have already done an indoor triathlon and a handful of running events since last "tri" season. For the next few months I will have 2-3 races or events a month of varying lengths and types. 2010 RACES: Here's my schedule so far! 4/11/10: Cherry Blossom 10-Miler WEIGHTLOSS: I made my first real foray into athletics while working on losing weight. I started at the gym with the elliptical machine and water aerobics and eventually lost 30 lbs, around the time I started riding my bike. Using a food diary, I am uber aware of calories and other nutritional counts, but indulge too... I am again working on losing some weight to reach a better race weight for me. WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: Over the past 4 years I have spent a lot of time on BT, researching other sources, taking lessons and improving my own fitness and skills. I feel my knowledgebase is now large enough that I can help guide new athletes, either with what I already know or to help them find the answer. I am a regular gal, not super fast or "successful", just having fun. I have a passion for triathlon and love to give advice! I spend a LOT of time on this web site, and therefore would be quick to answer questions. One thing that sets me apart from many triathletes is that I am NOT a strict type-A personality. I will never suggest you run around a parking lot JUST TO GET THOSE MILES IN or train if you are sick. I take a more practical, attainable, approach to the sport. At the end of the day, I get really excited about people who are interested in triathlon and would love to help at least one person make a solid effort at trying out the sport. Edited by BikerGrrrl 2010-04-08 9:01 AM |
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Elite ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi, My name is Dee and I would like to be a part of your group! I am 51 years old and have always been moderately and sporadically active. Not really athletic but able to do most sports mediocore. Last fall I hit my midlife crisis. ![]() However, I found that I loved the training and could actually at least learn to jog even though I have not progressed to a true run yet. I just completed my first triathlon last weekend. A 500 yd pool swim, outdoor bike (on a mtn bike) and run. I LOVED it even though it was pretty cold. I am looking at my next tri in May and July both Sprints with OWS in man-made lakes. I want to progress to actual running and speed up in bike and swim. I just bought my first road bike so I need to master that as well. Looking forward to the encouragement and tips that a mentor group can provide! ![]() |
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Veteran ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi Emily, I would like to join your group and will post more info later. (fun fact-My oldest daughter and my late mother are both Emilys.) Thanks, Valerie |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi Dee and Valerie! I am looking forward to learning more about you. There are probably more pointed questions I should ask, but this is my first mentor group so we will learn how to do that together. Once we have a full house, I will see what info folks are offering and ask more questions. I am going to add you all as my "friends" on my training log. If you've not done that before, here are the instructions:
I am also going to make a list of everyone for the top of my training blog. As soon as I do that, I'll offer the instructions and hopefully just something you can cut-and-paste in your own. I am on BT a lot (too much...) at work, so around 8-5 Central time. But I do occasionally check it in the evenings and weekends. If you'd like to ask me something more "urgent", send me a PM so that I get the e-mail alert. Talk to you more soon! |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Dee - I see you've posted a fair amount on BT. How long have you been using the site? Where do you "hang out"? Valerie - how about you, have you been using BT for long? |
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Elite ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() BikerGrrrl - 2010-04-07 7:21 AM Dee - I see you've posted a fair amount on BT. How long have you been using the site? Where do you "hang out"? Valerie - how about you, have you been using BT for long? Hi Emily. I found BT last September when I started looking for some advice on triathlon and learning to run. My post count is due to the fact that I hang out in the Challenge Forum. I have done a challenge each month because it helps me not skip workouts! LOL I started off using the Couch to 5K for the first few months. I jogged my first 5K last November. Since then I have been using the plans as a pattern but I have to switch them around a lot due to a very fluid work schedule. |
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Veteran ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi Emily! I would like to join also, if I still can! My name is Marcie and I am 34 years old, married with 3 little boys. I was a swimmer growing up, but over the years started be become less and less active. I did some tri's, had my first son, and then tried to get back into it. I have taken the last 31/2 years off to have my second and third son, and now I am ready to get back into it! I work full time also, so struggle with finding time to train, but I have been managing 3-4 days a week (that is, until I went on vacation last week, now I am totally derailed Looking forward to getting to know everyone! |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Welcome Marcie! It sounds like the accountability of this group will benefit everyone. I'll try to bug/encourage you as much as possible I love the Hal Higdon running plans, especially for first time at a race distance. They are very manageable for a busy schedule: |
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![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I'd like to join this group too, if I can. I've been running about a year, so its my strongest area (although I'm by no means a speedster). I'm currently working with a huffy bike circa 1990, so I'm not sure if I'm slow because of the bike or because I'm slow. Swimming is my weakest area no doubt. I never had formal lessons, never really needed them until now. I'm working on teaching myself proper form and technique. I figure if I've taught myself how to do the breathing I can teach myself the rest right? Edited by smartstrongsexy 2010-04-07 10:08 AM |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi Brooke, I am glad you found us! Swimming is my worst sport and I have worked hard for years to reach a point where I can just plain swim like a normal person. I do think you can do a lot on your own, but I also encourage you to seek a private lesson or two. If you can find someone to watch you swim, tell you where you need work, then you can go off for a long time working on drills. Can you have someone videotape you? Perhaps we could point out some things too. What style of bike is the Huffy? Some of those old 10-speeds are perfectly fine, but a heavier bike will definitely slow you down. When I switched from my cheap hybrid to an entry-level road bike, my overall speed improved by 3 mph and with a lot less effort. In the first ride! smartstrongsexy - 2010-04-07 10:02 AM I'd like to join this group too, if I can. I've been running about a year, so its my strongest area (although I'm by no means a speedster). I'm currently working with a huffy bike circa 1990, so I'm not sure if I'm slow because of the bike or because I'm slow. Swimming is my weakest area no doubt. I never had formal lessons, never really needed them until now. I'm working on teaching myself proper form and technique. I figure if I've taught myself how to do the breathing I can teach myself the rest right? |
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Expert ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I'd like to join your group if there's still room STORY: Never much of an athlete - did the usual intramural volleyball/basketball teams in grade school, 1 year of track in HS (came in last in every race except one!), HS racquetball for 2 years, then not much of anything. I tried softball and indoor soccer as an adult but wasn't very good at either one. About 3-1/2 years ago I volunteered at a local triathlon just to see what it was about and decided it was something I wanted to try. At the time, I couldn't swim (never learned as a kid), couldn't run more than 30 seconds without feeling like I was going to die, and had only been on a bike once or twice in about 10 years. I decided to start with the running since I figured it would be the hardest for me to pick up. Since then, I've done 3 half marathons - doing my 4th this weekend - lots of shorter running races, and last year I did 2 sprint triathlons. This year I'm hoping to move up to Olympic distance in August. In fact, I've already registered for the race so I guess I'd better be ready! FAMILY STATUS: I'm 46, married, with 2 kids. Our son is finishing his first year of college and our daugher is a HS sophomore. THIS YEAR'S RACES: I'm doing a sprint in May, an Olympic (hopefully) in August and a bunch of 5k's, 10k's etc this summer. 2010 RACES: Here's my schedule so far! 4/11/10 - Go!St Louis half marathon |
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![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Janet how'd you do in the half? or is it this coming weekend?
here's a picture of me and my sad excuse for a bike. i'm not going to upgrade until after the sprint - I want to make sure this is something I'm willing to invest in. Edited by smartstrongsexy 2010-04-07 11:17 AM |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Brooke - Cute pic! That's a classic alright! Well, if you want to go bike shoppiing and need advice.. I'm your gal. Janet, welcome! Glad to have you. When I started out there I was really passionate about biking (hence the BikerGrrrl name) and I worried I'd get tired of it and regret the affiliation. But, I am happy to say, that I still love biking the best. I hope I can encourage you to get outside. I really hate biking indoors and that's enough of an inspiration to me, and I even biked some in the winter this year. In what areas are you uncomfortable? Maybe I can explain/encourage more specifically. How are you feeling about the race this weekend? Edited by BikerGrrrl 2010-04-07 11:25 AM |
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Member ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Would love to join the group! About me: I'm a fellow Minnesota girl, so it's nice to have someone local. I have completed two sprint triathlons in the past and am doing my first HIM this summer. I have always been active and ran track in college (sprints and middle distance). The swimming was the hardest part for me to pick up because I hadn't done much of it growing up, but I have come a long way. I am married with no kids. I travel 70-90% for my job, so I am usually on the road at least 3 days a week flying somewhere around the country. That's probably my biggest challenge; finding time to get everything in on the road. I've got 10 (preferrably 15) pounds to lose and would like to do so before my HIM in July So far here is my race schedule: May 31 10k in Mankato June 12 Lake Crystal sprint triathlon July 25 Chisago Lakes HIM August Ragnar relay October TC Marathon Looking forwrd to getting to know everyone in the group! |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi Jennifer! It's amazing that we don't have any races in common - too bad. Maybe we can meet for a long ride or something this summer, since our HIMs are near the same weekend. I can't imagine handling a training schedule with your frequent flying Edited by BikerGrrrl 2010-04-07 12:30 PM |
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Expert ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() BikerGrrrl - 2010-04-07 11:23 AM Brooke - Cute pic! That's a classic alright! Well, if you want to go bike shoppiing and need advice.. I'm your gal. Janet, welcome! Glad to have you. When I started out there I was really passionate about biking (hence the BikerGrrrl name) and I worried I'd get tired of it and regret the affiliation. But, I am happy to say, that I still love biking the best. I hope I can encourage you to get outside. I really hate biking indoors and that's enough of an inspiration to me, and I even biked some in the winter this year. In what areas are you uncomfortable? Maybe I can explain/encourage more specifically. How are you feeling about the race this weekend? I'm actually feeling pretty good about the race this weekend. I worried so much for the first 3, I decided for this one I wasn't going to get too uptight about it - just go out and have fun. I already know I'm slow, so when I finish, I finish. No matter what the time it, it's still all good ![]() About the biking - my biggest worry about riding on the roads is the cars. I've never had an issue with drivers and I always try to ride on roads that have at least 3 lanes (one each way and a center turning lane) or at least a very wide shoulder, but there's just always that fear of being hit by someone who's not paying attention. I also still don't know how to change a flat (guess I'd better learn soon), so there's always that worry too. I think it's just because I'm still pretty new to riding - hopefully it's something I can work through by getting out there more often. Brooke - your bike looks a lot like the one I rode for my first tri (old mountain bike from Target)! |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I completely understand the worries about traffic. I find it exhilarating, but I also stay hyper-aware and it takes a much bigger effort to navigate, swerve, etc Yeah, learning how to change a tire is empowering. I was surprised that it was much easier than I thought. I have only had to fix one flat on the road (knock wood), and I was offered help by no less than 10 people. So if you have the proper tools, and a basic knowledge, you'll be fine. |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Jennifer - I was just re-reading my RR from Ragnar and it's pretty funny in retrospect. Here's the link if you're interested: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp... |
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Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() I would like to join if there is still room. Will post more later. Have to head to swim and break in my new wetsuit . . . first race May 9th!!! |
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Champion ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hey Carrie - glad to have you! Let us know how the swim and the new suit works out. carrie639 - 2010-04-07 6:33 PM I would like to join if there is still room. Will post more later. Have to head to swim and break in my new wetsuit . . . first race May 9th!!! |
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Member ![]() | ![]() I haven't read all the posts...I will...but my trainer says these groups fill up fast and I want to join. I don't have to tell you my story because it is the same as yours. Right down to the inactive past and bike riding mechanic husband. I didn't "hire" a trainer...my husband fixes her bike. It's a kind of exchange. I have always been over weight and in 2006 I had gastric bypass. I have now gotten to the point where I feel comfortable exercising and have come to enjoy it quite a bit. My first triathlon is April 24. I'm doing the Sprint distance at the Galveston Iron-man. I am excited and a little nervous (about the run) but I think I can do it. I plan on doing more over the summer. I've decided that triathlons give working out meaning and purpose. There is a goal. My first event is just to say I did one. I NEVER thought I could or would do something like this and in a few weeks...it'll be done. Look forward to talking with you. |
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![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi! If there is room, I'd love to join ![]() I'm 34, married w/ 2 kids. I work part time and do volunteer/ Mom stuff the rest of the time. I was supposed to do my 1st tri last summer, but ended up under the knife instead having knee surgery. So this is "my first triathlon" take two ![]() I'm just getting back to running after a 9 month layoff per drs orders. My swimming is going okay and I'm currently bike shopping. Due to living in snowy CO, I've been racking up lots of indoor miles but need to buy another bike and get outside!! I can't wait to get to know all of you better. |
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Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Hi everyone - new wetsuit was totally awesome. Went to practice a little early to try it out. Fit great, didn't choke and was VERY, VERY FAST. I started wearing it at the beginning or practice and had to take it off because (no kidding) I was going so fast I was catching up to everyone and running into them constantly!!! Highly recommend XTERRA NAME: Carrie639 (my first aquabike race number) STORY: Played competitive ice hockey for a good part of the last 15-20 years. Had alot of injuries (surguries) so had to give it up. After working out for a few years, was really getting bored. I told a trainer one day I would love to do tris, but that I couldn't run. He suggested I see the Lifetime Fitness tri club leader and it was she who told me about aquabikes (swim and bike only). That was my first race last year . . . I was hooked immediately and all my friends and family think I am nuts. I am signed up for a few more this year and I have managed to learn to run, but not without injury. I am about as prone to shin splints as one could be. Constantly creates issues with training. THIS YEAR'S RACES: I am doing a few indoor tris for practice (next one is this weekend), a few half aquabikes, and my A race is Racine 70.3 (I am terrified with my run issues) 2010 RACES: I would like to be competitive, but am treating this year as fun and do as well as I can. April: 2 Lifetime indoor tris WEIGHTLOSS: I have lost 20-25 lbs since last July and I want to keep on truckin. I am still an Athena |
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Master ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() | ![]() Good luck on your first race. If you can't run the whole thing, do a walk / run. My very first try last year (after the aquabike) my friend talked me into. I did great on the swim and bike and just walked the entire run. No biggie, but I was hooked!!! I too have been overweight for years. While I am still overweight, all the training has done wonders for my fitness. |
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