Jeff,

How's everything going?  Well I'll start with a quick history.  I'm 28 and have no wife or kids and work with the Corps of Engineers.  I grew up swimming competitively until the age of 12.  I also played soccer and was a decent runner when I was younger!  I entered a few triathlons when I was an undergrad and completed a few olympic distance tri's.  I recently have decided to get back into them.  I have been swimming about 2 miles a day, for 4 days a week, riding a trainer every other day for about 90 minutes (don't have a bike yet!), and just recently started back running about 3-4 miles every other day.  I really am not that knowledgeable as far as getting a good schedule down.  I also would like help with some type of diet/nutritional planning.  My goal is to be able to do the Augusta 70.3 in September.  Recently, I injured my ankle playing soccer and may be out for a few weeks!  I look forward to your advice.

Thanks,

Bill

Hi Jeff!

My name is Jeremy and I am a newbie to say the least. Late March I done my first indoor Tri (Seattle Rainman). It was a great way to ease into it. In fact it removed a lot of the mystic of Tri-ing. As far as the family goes, this July I will have been married for 8 years and we have two boy-Titus almost 3 and Canon who is almost 1.

I plan to do the Issaquah Sprint in June and by the end of tri season I would like to do an Oly. Right now I would say my most weak area is the bike.

At any rate I look forward to gleaning from your experience and leadership!

Hi Gentlemen, just touching base quickly.  I need to get out the door in a few minutes.  I'll ask a few simple questions quickly:

•  how would you describe your swim proficiency? (Jeremy, you answered that pretty well)
•  bike proficiency?
•  run proficiency?
•  What would you say is your most burning question re. triathlon?

What is your biggest problem to solve? (ie. scheduling training, what type of bike to get/where to get it, where to train...)

If you haven't already, make sure your training log is current for the last week at least and keep it current as well as you can going forward.

I'm looking forward to offering advice to you, and for all of us to share experiences, insights, ideas with each other.

Jeff.

Hi guys - I'd like to get onboard, if that's okay with you!

My name is Jenna, this is my third year of triathlon but technically only my second since I was out with injuries all last year. Actually, I broke my ankle before the final race of my first season too, so my main priority is to stay injury-free this year.

I have a metric century on tap next month, a handful of sprints, and at least one OLY planned for this year. Like I said, I just want to get through this season happy and healthy. If I can do that, then my goal is a winter marathon, a spring HIM, and I would love to do a full IM some time in 2012 or early 2013. But first things first.

My swimming proficiency is fairly low-end. I can swim 1500m and not drown, but it will be slow and ugly to watch. I also had major problems with sighting, and I think I probably overswam all my courses by at least 25-30% by going offtrack and needing to double-back. I really don't know if I can swim a HIM or IM course, but that's not on my plate for this year.

I consider myself to be a relatively proficient biker - when I can get out there. I've only had two outdoor rides this season so far, the rest has all been on the spin bike at my gym. I have a cotton candy pink tri-bike that I love, although I know it is too small for me. I have had it professionally fit to as good as possible and it will be more than serviceable for this season. It is a titanium frame with all Dura components, carbon fork and aero cockpit, and I would never be able to replicate the quality if I had to repurchase in a slightly larger size. I got it used for a great deal and it has been very well maintained.

I like to run. I have been off for a long time, so I'm just getting back into it and finding it slower going than I remembered. When I am in shape and at the top of my game, running is probably the strongest of the three sports for me.

What do I need from a mentor? Someone who can keep me motivated and accountable. I have two young kids (2 and 4) and a very busy, high-profile job. Finding time to train is not always easy and I need something to hold my feet to the fire.

Looking forward to a great season!

Count me in to please!

I am a 44 year old white guy so I fit the demographic pretty much spot on. This is my second year training and doing Tris but I have a few years of doing the P90X and hitting the gym in spotty bursts. Just coming off of a stress fracture in my right leg and am cleared to run a whole 7.5 miles a week in .5 mile increments but get to add 10% a week so that will ramp back "fast".

I am a sprint level age grouper in all his glory.

Being the geek that I am here are my answers:

•  how would you describe your swim proficiency? In a word - Horrible. working with a trainer\lifegaurd on the basics.
•  bike proficiency? Fairly decent on the bike, well for me anyway. Riding about 25 miles plus a week and going up now that I am healed up.
•  run proficiency? Don't even ask.
•  What would you say is your most burning question re. triathlon? None that I can think of but probably have 1000.

tons-o-room.

I would like to join.  This will be my second year of triathlon and I have fallen in love the sport.  I raced 2 Oly's last season and competed in a relay in which our team won the 3 person division.  I have run several races including my first marathon this past October (Marine Corps - 3:26:06).

I am 42 years old with 2 girls (15-17) and been married for almost 24 years.

I will update and provide more for my bio when I return home from a weekend visit with family.

Hi there!  If there's still room, I'm interested!

My name is Deb and I'm a newbie!!  I'm not a runner, used to swim competively in HS and I do bike quite often.  My sister just completed her first Ironman in November and after watching I decided that I wanted to do this too.  I've signed up for 3 Sprint Tri's.  The first is July 2nd. 

Family:  Married, 6 yrs old girl, 3 older step girls (who hate me) and a rat terrier dog!!    Work full time, i.e. AVP Compliance.

I would like to lose 30 lbs but 20 would be fine!

Training: Swimming:  a couple times a week until I hurt my shoulder 2 weeks ago but hitting the pool tomorrow.  Running: Joined a run training group 4 weeks ago to train for my 1st 5K on May 15th.  So, far running 3 - 4 times a week and hoping to get my time down to at least 11 min mile.  Would love 10 min or less but don't know if that is realistic!  It's not easy for me to run and I don't particularly like it but I'm doing it!  Got me new Nike Free's and I love them!    Biking: Spinning a couple of times a week and teh Hubs and I purchased a CycleOps trainer so doing that as well.  I have a Trek Hybrid so I will changing the wheels to road wheels. 

My questions center around scheduling training, how often, when should I begin bricks, etc.  I know I need to rest at least once a week, I think!!  And, I need to also do weight training but should I do that on run days or swim days or bike days, etc.  We bought P90X so thought I would use that for some of the strength training!   I need to find a nice balance while still getting in the training I need to get it done respectably!! 

_{Bill and Jeremy mentioned  nutriton and Deb mentioned weight loss.}

_{Is everyone who is thinking 'nutrition' coming from the angle of weight loss?  Or are there differing goals nutritionally speaking?}

If there is room I would like in.

I am looking for inspiration and some guidance.  This is my 3rd year racing with an injury during that time so actually my 2nd full year.  I am 40 year old a BOP racer, the days of going fast seem over.  I am also married with kids (20 and 13).  The 13 year old is doing her first tri this year so I will be looking for guidance on her behalf also. 

EXPERIENCE: 1--sprint 2009; 1--dual, 4--sprint, 1--Oly 2010; scheduled 1--dual, 3--sprint, 1--Oly, 1--HIM for 2011. 

GOALS: Learn to schedule my workout into a structure that will help me improve.  Learn from others mistakes and triumphs. 

A little background: This started as a bet between me and a few coworkers (kids 20 year olds), after desiding to try it, I got hooked!  I love the variety, I really dig the culture and broad spectrum of people that enjoy this sport.  Needless to say I won the bet since I was the only one to make it to the starting line.  71 pounds later here I am.  I am looking forward to a big year.

LETS RACE!

Name: Ryan

Story: I needed a competative outlet and triathlons has become that outlet. I never did any sports involving cardio before the tri season in 2009.

Current Training: I'm in the middle of a 18 week Olympic training plan, I'm at about 6+ hours a week and run 3-4, bike 3, swim 2 times a week. 3 Weeks progressively gaining time and distance, 1 week rest....I maintain my training log on this site. I'm currently 6'2, 175 and might want to lose 5 before racing. I have roughly 10% body fat and wouldn't mind being lower.

Injuries: I was involved in a surfing accident on Nov. 20th. My right quad was lacerated about 6" across the thigh and about 1" deep. I had 11 staples and multiple stitches in my facia layer. The doctor said I didn't do anything to the muscle but it is significantly different and dented. I am sore in that spot about every day but not injured any more.

Goals: Win an olympic distance triathlon. I'm assuming it is going to take a few seasons to get up to that shape so I'm willing to take my lumps and put in my time to gain fitness and accumulate the proper equipment.

•  how would you describe your swim proficiency? I was never on a swim team and learned semi decent form 5 years ago. I'm swimming about 3000 yards a week and gaining confidence but I still know I'm slow. Mainly working on my form and doing drills to increase speed. Its hard for me to go faster than 400 yards in 7:30. I got a wetsuit for the upcoming season so that should help. TYR Cat 3 Hurricane
•  bike proficiency? I love to bike and that should be my specialty. I'm 6'2 with long legs and I mountain bike just as much if not more than road bike. I'm doing the whiskey dick triathlon 1900' climb and about 19 miles into the wind after that so I want to make this my strongest part of triathlon.
•  run proficiency? After the injury I have been working up to last seasons shape (46.30 10k tri time) I'm up to running for an hour for my long run and need to do more speed drills. All in all I am trying to build distance now and will work on speed later in the season after my first race. My wife said if I run a sub 7 min mile for a triathlon this year I can get a tri bike.
•  What would you say is your most burning question re. triathlon? How hard should I train, how do I train between races.
• What is your biggest problem to solve? Am I a slow swimmer, or lazy swimmer, how fast can I swim.

Good Luck Training!

Profile:

39 y/o Male with no children.  I travel during the week M-Th or M-F so I'm working out in hotels or at a local gym near my clients which makes for rather difficult scheduling.  I have no competitive sports background (little league when I was 10 doesn't count, right?).  I hope to finish 1-3 Sprints (800m Swim, 16 Mile Bike, 3.1 mile run) this year but will be happy with just one in Sept.  Ultimately I'd like to reach the HIM distance but I know that's way off in the distance (2+ years).  I am fine with my weight, I'm doing this more for a fitness and personal goal perspective.

• how would you describe your swim proficiency?

In a word, pathetic.  I grew up with a pool and learned how not to drown. I can swim 50 yards in a clip and need to break for 10-20 sec to catch my breath.  I'm working with a coach but my progress is painfully slow.

•  bike proficiency?

I feel most comfortable on the bike, I'm slow but I plod along just fine.  When pushed I can probably complete 16 miles in about 45-50 min.

•  run proficiency?

not as bad as my swim but it needs work.  I think I can do a 5k in about 27-30 min...I'm making improvements here though as I train.

•  What would you say is your most burning question re. triathlon?

When does it come together on the swim?!?!? 

What is your biggest problem to solve? (ie. scheduling training, what type of bike to get/where to get it, where to train...)

Biggest problem right now is the swim, but from a mentor perspective I'd be looking for more guidance on the length/intensity of my training sessions.  How to balance Base training and anaerobic training...I'm tired of being winded after 10 min on the treadmill or 15 min on the bike, or 30 seconds in the pool But when I do HR training and keep it in Zone 2 I might as well be walking.

My biggest problem with nutrition is making it a regular part of every day. I have no issues with race day nutrition, but I know I am perma-dehydrated based on my regular routine. The mornings are busy for me and I find that I tend to wake up, get the kids ready and off, get into the office for a couple of meetings, and before I know what's happened, it's 2pm and I have yet to eat or drink anything at all.

I eat when and where I can, so it's not always the healthiest. I forget to drink and probably average less than 1L per day. I also have a monster sweet tooth that kicks in during the evening hours after the kids are in bed. I need to find a way to handle that temptation a little better!

If the group is still open, I would like to join.

Profile:  34 year old married with 3 kids that tend to run me around.  My career requires considerable amount of time so my work out schedules tend to be short (but with a lot of push).  Most days I am only able to squeeze in the work out on my lunch, so it could only be an hour day.

I have never competed in a triathalon.  Ran cross country in High school, but most of my sports expereince has come from the likes of basketball and Baseball.  My competitive nature is very strong, so I found that the basketball leagues and baseball teams just do not give me the satisfaction I want.  I want to be responsible for the outcome.

how would you describe your swim proficiency? (Jeremy, you answered that pretty well)

Not sure I have a swim proficiency.  I complete roughly 1/2 mile 3 times a day but it is a struggle.  At times I think I'm more of a stone than a swimmer.

•  bike proficiency?  Fairly good, no problems doing 20-25 miles
•  run proficiency?  Rough, just finished my first 5k today and the time was long (30.07) to say the least.  Still trying to regain past glory, (15 yrs of smoking put a hurt on this)
•  What would you say is your most burning question re. triathlon?

Goals:  Currenty signed up for the local YMCA "hillbilly" triathalon.  (Canoe 4 miles, Bike 15miles, run 3miles)  This is test me and see what I need to do for June 19 when I am signed up for a sprint triathalon at Maumee bay.  From there I want to do at least 1 more sprint in July, and then hope to do an Olympic length in August.   I know for a beginner my sights may be set high, but I feel you only reach the minimum goal set for yourself so why not go for it all.  I am using the 16 week to sprint training program.

Jeff,

I would like to join this group if there is still space available.

My name is Greg, I am 44 y.o. married with 1 child (in college).  I got interested in tri's last year and was scheduled to participate in my first sprint tri last May but had a bike accident  - broke my collar bone that required surgery.  Since late last summer I have been training somewhat consistently trying to bring up my fitness level in all 3 disciplines. 

•  how would you describe your swim proficiency? decent, I have gotten up to swimming up to 60+ laps during my long swims.  During the last few weeks though I had started having pain in my left shoulder during my swims.
•  bike proficiency? I thought I had increase this over the winter using the life cycles at the gym, long rides 80+ minutes but rode outside for the first time a few days ago and didn't feel like I had.  Heading out later this morning for a longish ride.
•  run proficiency? have built up from 0 to 7+ miles, pretty much slow and steady 10min/mile range.
•  What would you say is your most burning question re. triathlon? Right now my biggest issue is  nutrition - mostly how to stay on track esp. during the evening.  One of my goals through training for and participating in tri's is to lose the spare tire around my middle and that is not happening at this point (at least I don't feel/see it).

I am scheduled to participate in the tri I missed last year this May 22nd.

I know what your saying Jeff, I've been there.  I always changed my workouts for those days away or at least changed the duration and intensity.  As the front desk for the location of a park or school for the runs so you can do a few intervals at pace.  If your only gone for a few days these intense workouts can benifit your ability to perform at VO2 max.  As for the weights switch it up to a light almost aerobic reps. 

As a side note; If your having achilles issues rest it, ice it.  I had issues with mine and by continuing to train without rest I severed mine needing surgury and a tendon harvest to repair.  4 months of sitting on my a** gives you a lot of time to think and as I said "I would like to learn from others mistakes" this is an area I can help others learn from my big mistake.  Just a thought.

Hope my workout input helps.

Jeff...if there's still room, I want in.  Been a member around here for while now and on ST as well.  Although I'm not exactly a beginner, I am only going into my third season of multisport and still have a lot to learn.

NAME: Jonathan

STORY: Grew up recreationally cycling/mountain biking through highschool.  Decided that I wold try out a different sport and rowed in college.  Finally got out of a horrible relationship in 2008 and was able to actually do what I wanted with my life starting in 2009, so I figured triathlon was a great idea...

FAMILY STATUS: Committed relationship to a wonderful girlfriend.  We bought our first house together last year and will hopefully be engaged in the near future.

CURRENT TRAINING: I have hired a coach for this year to keep me in check.  I am currently putting in between 7-9 hrs per week.  I try my best to keep my logs up to date.  They tend not to be as detailed because I log most of my stuff on Training peaks, but will keep them up to date for the group for sure.

LAST YEAR'S RACES: Last year I had two sprints, an olympic and one HIM.  I got a little over my head with the half as my run fitness just wasn't up to snuff.

2011 RACES: All short course/olympic stuff this year.  Time to get healthy and happy with my running!

WEIGHTLOSS:  This is sort of a confused topic for me right now.  I came into 2011 at 205 and am currently sitting at 193.  I'm 6'-3" tall and consider myself lean...but definitely not skinny.  I am trying to figure out what the best race weight is for myself and plan on getting a RMR test and body fat test done to figure out how to achieve that goal.

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I'm an over-active member.  I love to help others and need a lot of questions answered for myself as well.  I am a horrible runner.  For some reason God didn't gift me with the talent, so I am constantly asking for advice from fellow runners.  I'm also building a bike starting next week and will need a little tech. advice.  I'm the kind of person who likes to motivate, but also needs a bit of motivation.  I get discouraged when my performance doesn't increase like I expect.

This will also be my first season training with power.  I have a few months under my belt right now and think it's probably a good idea to start reading the power bibles out there to capture exactly what is going on and how training with power actually works.

I'm a relatively good swimmer.  I started swimming back in 2009 and was able to pick that piece up relatively well.  I logged a ton of hours in the pool over the last couple years and am obsessed with swim technique and analyzing swim video.

If we're still open, I'd like to join this group. 

I'll post more later when family stuff is over, but I'm in year 2 1/2, I did a HIM last year but I'm doing short course only this year.  I'm a more "experienced" member at age 49, but I'm very active and totally addicted to this lifestyle.