Southwestmba/Andy's excellent adventure group-Full

Id like to join your group.  Im a newby.  Im getting ready for a sprint tri June 12.  I have a borrowed 1980s era bike, sore knees, suspect swimming stroke, but lots of determination.  I havnt really followed any program other than doing at least one of the activivties each day, lots of times two. 

My swimming has improved a lot in the last few months.  I usually swim in the pool for 45 minutes or so.  Last weekend I swam in the lake and feel confident I can complete the 750m swim with no problems.  In the pool I can swim 750m in 19 min.  Goal in race is 20 min.

I try to ride my bike 17 miles 3 or so times a week.  This takes me around 1 hr and 10 min.  This is all in my neighborhood with a lot of slowing down for turns.  My goal is to do the 17 miles in 1 hr on race day.

Running is the hardest for me.  I can run 5k on the treadmill in 28-29 minutes.  Outside I have not been under 30 minutes yet.  Goal in the race is 30 minutes.

Goal for the event is 2 hrs.

I am 6'2" 220lb.  Weighed 255 18 months ago.  Ive lost 10 pounds or so this year and would like to loose 5 or so more in the next month.

I really havnt had any instruction, just doing what seems right.  What kind of training should I be doing 6 weeks away from a sprint tri?

Thanks, tuna

Hi Andy,

Sorry to hear about your PF.  I had it really bad back in 2008 before I started working out for triathlons.  Sounds like your doing some of the right things, but the key for me was going to a podiatrist who get me some arch supports and sent me to physical therapy.  I found a really good sports physical therapy practice that focuses on runners.  Besides about a dozen sessions, the key was doing the stretching and exercises on a daily basis.  I rarely have any PF pain now, and it enabled me going from being able to hardly walk on some days to completing 2 triathlons, several races and a half marathon the following year.

Good luck with Eagleman.  I'm planning on doing it next year, as well as my first Ironman in 2012.  I let the wheels come off in 2010, but I feel like I'm back on the path to success.  If you're running an active group, I'd like to join if you're looking for people.

Tom

I am a newbie.  I raced in a sprint tri (a varsity boy scout tri) last weekend in Safford, AZ with four days of heading to the gym beforehand.  I did it with my son (who placed 27/1059...he's in much better shape than me).  Basically from couch to tri.  I had a borrowed road bike and ran/walked the 2.5 mile run...but I finished and I hadn't felt that exhilerated in a long time.  I absolutely loved it and I'm excited to give it another go.  I am looking to do the Camp Pendleton Tri August 6th.  I'm ready to train for this one .  I am in the market for a new tri bike so I'll take your advice on that if you have any (budgeting around 3k). 

I'm 41 years old, married with 4 kids (15, 13, 9, and 5).  Live in beautiful but hot Phoenix, AZ.  I work as an orthodontist and spend my day with my hands in peoples mouths.  It's fulfilling changing peoples lives by helping with their smile.  My wife is supportive but cautious ( I think she is thinking, "is he going through midlife crisis?").  I'm 6 foot and 205.  I'd like to get under the clydesdale group by August.  I'm busy with church responsibilities, kids, wife and running my business, but I'm giving this tri training some priority in there as well.  I'm looking at 5-7 hours/week to budget into my schedule. 

My goals for this year to compete in a tri (hopefully Camp Pendleton) and finish feeling stronger, lose 10 lbs. and gain some confidence that I can actually run more than 2 miles without feeling like I'm going to die.  I've always been active and athletics were a major part of my life for years.  Football and discus in high school.  Weight training  has always come naturally for me and I consider myself fairly strong.  Unfortunately, endurance has always been my nemesis.  I've never like running so that is my weakness.  Biking and swimming I feel a bit better at. 

So now, I'm just a sponge, trying to soak up there is to learn out there (theres a lot!!).  Thanks, Andy for your blog, your inspiration and your experience. 

Here's my story, sorry for the length, but I just got into long, slow, ramble mode.

In 2002, my oldest son got interested in triathlons, and did a couple of sprints, and usually managed a podium in the 15-19 age group.  What I liked was the combination of the sports, and more importantly, I liked the people that I met at these races.  I vowed that I would do one by the time I was 50.  Since I was only 42 at the time, there was plenty of time to get started, so it was back to the couch.

Fast forward to 2009, and I was getting fed up with my weight.  I felt there was no way I could do a triathlon by 50, but maybe while during my 50th year would count - more sliding.  However, I did start walking and watching what I ate.  2 months later, I was down 17 pounds, and I was feeling better.  I saw an advertisement for the Nation's Triathlon in September, and I decided that signing up for an Olympic triathlon and committing to the high entry fee was a challenge I needed to make for myself.  I had yet to run a step probably in 10 years.  The next day, I started a couch to 5k running plan.  I could barely managed 2 minutes, downhill.  I worked my way up. 1 mile! 2 miles!, 3.11miles!  I knew I could do it, and then I started the 20 weeks Beginner Olympic training plan here.  My oldest son came out for a visit that summer, and I thought it would be cool to do a triathlon with my inspiration.  I completed the NJ Sprint Triathlon in July after losing 60 pounds to date.  I learned a lot, but I still had a long way to go.  In September, I finished the Nation's Triathlon.  Goal met! 

After that, I had my sights on an Ironman someday, and I was feeling pretty fit.  I thought if I could do a triathlon, I could do a half marathon, and finished the Philly half in November 2009.  But then I fell into a trap of my own design.  While tracking my calories on Livestrong MyPlate, I was amazed by how many calories I was burning.  I also started reading the Paleo diet for Athlete's.  The trap I fell into was that since I was burning so many calories running 25+ miles/week, I could eat lots, and drink beer, even though my weight was creeping up, and not down towards my goal weight.  With the lack of cross training, I managed to strain my hamstrings.  Less training, and more weight.

In 2010, I attempted the Columbia Olympic Triathlon.  I was very complacent about my training, and did hardly any swimming.  First time using a wet suit, and the feeling of being constricted kind of freaked me out, and I couldn't find a decent rhythym on the swim, and had to be towed ashore.  A very humilating experience.  Then it was onto the DC tri in June. While my training was better, it was nowhere what it should have been.  It was a very hot day, and I had considerable difficulty finishing the race.  I still didn't get it and I continued to let the wheels fall off of my training and diet.  By now, I put on all the weight back on I had taken off.  Somehow I managed to run/walk the Parks half triathlon in September 2010, but at a cost to my hamstrings.  They were shot and I couldn't run for weeks.  For the next 6 months I had a lot of very significant and stressful family issues, and my training and diet suffered even more.

Finally, this month, I rediscovered my committment to triathlons.  A book I am reading is helping with one of the past mistakes I made - Weight Management for Triathletes.  My head is in a lot better spot about what I need to do, and what not to do.  I'm doing the DC Triathlon again in June, but I don't think I'll be ready for the Olympic, so I'll have to do the sprint.  Maybe another Tri over the summer, and then it's the Nation's Triathlon in September.  I have a goal of improving my time.  I'm using the BT beginner olympic plan again.

After that, my goals for 2012 include Eagleman.  I want to do WTC branded event, and that's the closest one to me.  I know it's a tough course, but the challenge motivates me to work hard on the bike.  After that, my plan is to do Ironman Wisconsin or Florida in 2012.  I know it's a lot harder than IMFL, but I'd really like to do Wisconsin because of the great crowds.  I also want to do Wisconsin for a little bit of a brag factor.  It's 2 weeks before my 30th college reunion, and I'd really like to show up as an Ironman.

I'm back to keeping my training logs up-to-date.  I like looking at Andy's logs.  I find his consistency to be pretty inspiring.  Someday, I hope to be able to join him on a run when I visit his office.

Hi, I'd like you join the group if possible.

Last year I decided that I wanted to do something special when I turn 50 (this year) and decided a triathlon was something I would love to accomplish. I learned there were Sprints and did one last year - I'm hooked (and so is my wife now).

Swimming is my archilles heel, I'm on my 3rd coach, but this one is a triathlete and is helping with my balance through the Total Immersion methodology. It's frustrated because now I'm starting all over and trying to erase all my bad habits.

I'm a fair biker - recent Duathlon @ 17.7mph (18mile distance).

I ran alot of 5Ks until 9 yrs ago. I burnt out trying to run a sub 7min. pace, but achieved it. Recent Duathlon pace was 25:43 (5K), bike, 24:22 (5K).

joe

I guess I should introduce myself!

I just turned 48, I'm married with 3 kids and 4 grandchildren; yeah, the kids aren't really kids anymore.

I've been into working out since I was a teen, but nothing competitive. Like most lives, there have been ups and downs with respect to health and fitness, and some of the ups have been very 'up', in terms of fitness. The last time I was 'up' was about 10 years ago; I weighed 190-ish and I had boundless energy it seemed.

Last year I had a renaissance, and I am going back to an 'up'. What's really exciting is that I didn't think it was possible, I thought I was now too old to truly have an 'up', but late in the year the fitness center I belong to had an indoor triathlon, along with a pre-triathlon event that changed everything. Prior to that I just worked out kinda aimlessly, just pumping iron as I listened to my tunes, but suddenly, and for the first time in a long time...I was in a competition. As a kid I shied away from competition, it just wasn't me, but last year a light bulb went off. The pre-tri event awarded people who ran or biked or swam the most distances, and special awards for those that did all three, of which I was one of those. I couldn't believe how into the pre-event I was,  staying hours and hours at the gym logging miles in all three events, getting into decent shape. After that was the actual triathlon event, which seemed almost anticlimatic after the pre-tri, but I placed third in a field of mostly fitness center members, albeit some fit ones.

Since then I did another indoor tri, and a 5k; where once life was boring and 'over', it has bloomed and I am involved in something bordering on passion, something I haven't felt in a long time. 

I am entered in a 'real' triathlon early June, plan to run the Crim, a big road race here in Michigan, as well. I would like to do another Triathlon before the season ends. Ultimately, my goal is to graduate from sprints to Olympics to HIM's and ultimately an IM. An IM would be nice if it happened in my fiftieth year, I guess we'll see.

I was going to go this year on my own, really, but I do feel a tug for the comraderie of other triathletes, to belong TO something bigger than myself. To celebrate an event with those who 'get it'.

I asked to be in this group because I liked what I read in your history SWMBA, your weight loss, which I plan to emulate, as well as the improvements you made as a runner/swimmer; I can see myself doing that as well.

So...on with the show...what are the expectations of our 'group', are we supposed to do something or are you here to answer questions and give sage advice?

Hi Andy,

I'd like to join your group. I'm Mary, and I'm brand new to the sport. I decided to try it to lose some weight ( 10 lbs)  and get back in shape.  I just started working out  in April and turned 51.  I'd like to try a Sprint race sometime next fall.

Background: I swam on the swim team in junior high, so that is coming back pretty quickly. Up to 800 yds across April.   Biking i've done on and off, but not much distance.  I find it fun and relaxing, just need to increase my time and distance.   Running is my biggest challenge.  I've played soccer in past years, but find running kind of boring with out the little ball to kick and run after. I'm going to play soccer again and then once I get back in shape see if I can convert to just straight running.

I do yoga most days and am nursing an Achilles tendon injury back to health.  I moved to Texas last fall and so will have find a way to keep training in the heat across the summer.

Family & Professional Status: Single with 2 grown Kids (26 & 20). Have a job that keeps me busy 50 hrs a week or so ( at a desk, though, so need to get out and exercise!).

Goals: lose 10 lbs, Finish a Sprint distance Triathlon, and not get Injured.

Hi Andy - can i call you that, its quicker than Southwestmba?

I'm in my first season of Tri and my second of running. I was not sporty at all prior to this.  I have done a few 5ks a few 10ks and 2 HMs.  I love racing.  I recently did my 1st sprint tri and LOVED it. Even though i fell of my bike and got road rash down one side of my face. I couldn't see by the tuesday due to the swelling - but i still finished it, running with a bloody face (and a really poor bike split).  I still smile thinking of how much fun it was.

I have my second sprint tri May 22nd, a 1500m sea swim in June then my BiG TRI the 'olympic sea swim tri' in July.  I'm crapping it - excuse my french!  I could use some good company as i train. I recently moved and know no one to train with and get support so virtual support would be great.

Stephanie

I would like to join your group if you still have openings.

A little about me...  I decided to get in shape with a New Year's resolution January 2008.  I weighed 189 and I am 5'7".  I lost about 15 lbs by doing the elliptical off and on.  I was only half committed to staying in shape and was struggling to be consistent with my exercise but still managed to hover around 175-180.  On a whim I joined a 5k turkey trot November 2009 and struggled to finish in 10 minute miles.  I could do an hour on the elliptical at a high resistance and maintain a good speed but I was embraced with my time on the 5k.  I couldn't handle seeing little kids that looked about 5 years old passing me while I was huffing and puffing my way to a slow 5k finish.  In January I signed up for a half marathon that was for May of 2010.  From that first half marathon last May I have been hooked.  I have now run 3 half marathons, 2 full marathons and another 5k.  While 2010 was a year to run I view 2011 as the year to get into triathlons.  I completed my first sprint distance in February and have my first Olympic distance on May 22.  I swam in high school so that portion has been somewhat easy for me and the run is not that scary to me at this point.  My biggest weakness is the bike as I have not owned a bike since high school. That is a little over 20 years without any biking.  I bought a nice used tri bike and have been biking as much as I can but I still feel a little lost here.

My ultimate goal is to do a HIM next April and eventually get up to a full IM.  I look forward to joining your group and getting some good advice from someone who has been there before.

Thank you.

Brad

Hey Andy,

I'd like to be a part of this group.

I'll keep this pretty short. Live in Fort Worth, TX. Swam in school. Ran 1 marathon and a couple halves in college, and tri just seemed to be the next thing to do. Basically no bike experience until this year. Currently have 2 sprints under my belt, with an oly next month and a HIM in June that I'm excited (but scared to death about). Goal is really just to finish it, but looking for a time of 6:30. Ultimate goal is to someday do a full IM, maybe next year.

Looking forward to learning from a seasoned vet.

Steven

Ok group,

I just completed my run according to my 16 week, balanced program.  It was my second run of the week but the first run with a HRM.  I calculated my 'estimated' MHR at 179.  According to my instructions for training, I am to train in zone I and II (70-75% MHR or 125-135).  I hit that heart rate with a very slow jog after about 30 seconds.  I split my jog into thirds with 2 min walking between the sets. It took about one minute to bring my HR back to zone II. 

Question:  Will this get better?  Should I jog slower? (I don't know if that is possible...I was already so slow).  My percieved exertion wasn't too high.  I didn't have any labored breathing nor was I feeling tired.  What do you suggest when my HR spikes so quickly?  Should i just train through it? 

Thank, in advance for you comments and suggestions!

Hi Crea!

Wow, sucks about the snow, that must really affect the biking, do you use snow tires? I know stupid, but I couldn't resist! Here in Michigan instead of the snow we've been getting rain. Unbelievable amounts of rain, like ark building rain. The grayness affected me most; I'm one of those SAD types for sure.

It's funny how adversity can bring out the best in you; during my first indoor tri I totally lost track of time between the swim and the run. Next thing I know someone is coming to get me in the locker room telling me they are about to start! I get it in gear, zip out of the locker room and head across the gym to the spin bike section; everyone had already started. I jumped on mine and BOOM I pedaled like there was no tomorrow. I imagined myself WAY behind but when the results were in I had the fastest bike time! Not that the others were world class spin bikers mind you, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

I did some swim training today; I follow one of the free BT programs and I was to swim 1150 yrds today. I broke up the distance however into swim 'sprints' of different distances; I started at 100 meters for a few, then 200 meters for a couple. Some 150's and 250's because I kept losing track of how far I went; I have ADD in the pool, anything over 100 (it's a 25 yard pool) and focus deteriorates. I ended up doing 1250 because of that, but no biggie.

My best time was a 1:52/100 yard average, based on a 150 yard swim. Progress; I was doing 2:10-ish a few weeks ago. I'm studying Terry Laughlin's TI techniques.

I guess the question that begs to be asked is should I have swam the whole distance in one shot or is it allowed to break it up?