Jsnowash (Jenny)'s Mentor Group - CLOSED!

Hi Jenny - may I join your group?

After reading all the other mentor pages, I guess I feel drawn to your group because I too am a fellow spin instructor.  I have been teaching spin for 5 years (started with freestyle, now I teach a canned program (RPM)...which flavor do you teach?).  About 2 years ago I added a kickboxing/boxing type program (BodyCombat) and I will soon add an ab/core intensive program as well.  So...group fitness is a main focus in my life and I really think it helps me keep me balanced and and injury free for triathlon.

As far as triathlon goes...I started in 09, doing a sprint and an Oly, took 2010 off to have a baby and last year I completed 2 sprints, and 2 Oly's (1st place AG in one of the sprints, and 2nd place AG in one of the Oly's).  I acquired a tri bike last summer and love it to death.

In 2012 I really want to do a HIM.  And I guess, here is where I think I need the most mentoring.  My training is somewhat sporadic and unfocused, mainly in part because of teaching GX (most week's I only have two classes, but during "launch" weeks when we launch new music, it's not uncommon for me to teach every night) an in addition, my "real life" job entails 9 hour days, with a hellish commute.  I work in the middle of no where - 35 minutes from my house, with limited options for lunch time exercise.  The only option i have is to run - and I donl't have access to a locker room. 

Anyway, without going into too much of my life story - my short term goal is to complete a half marathon the end of February, so my focus lately has been on my running.  I think I am a strong biker, a decent swimmer...but lack the most in the run. 

Looking forward to this group!

Fallon

Hi Jen. I'd like to join your group.

Name: Kate

Story: It's always been my dream to run in a triathlon but I never had a decent bike or resources to do so. Now I live in Florida and there are lots of races going on here through out the year. I tried a sprint last summer and was hooked. I raced 4 sprints and just recently participated in the Tough Mudder.

This summer I am going to be entering my 2nd season of doing triathlons.  I plan to race in 4 sprints and do my first olympic distance.

Family I am 37 married with one child. My husband likes to bike as well and we are getting our son into that sport too.

Current training: I am trying to swim at least twice a week, bike 4 times a week and run 3 times a week. I also do classes at the Y to spice things up. I am hoping to ramp it up over these winter months.

I was drawn to you because I am an avid spinner and it's a big part of my training. 

Would like to join your group.

This will be my 4th season doing tris.  Stumbled into triathlons in '09 while training for my first marathon.  Hated the marathon but loved the 2 sprint tris I did that summer.  

Moved to Olympic distance in 2010 and up to HIM this year at Timberman.

Big races this year will be REV3 Quassy (HIM) and probably REV3 Old Orchard Beach (not sure which distance). Keeping my eye on a possible move to Ironman and i'm interested in following your training.  Swimming is definitely my strength with running probably being my weakest.

Similar to you, I've lost about 30lbs since starting and would like to lose about 5 more, but my real concentration is core strength and body fat.  I got hit with a nasty virus in November that really set me back, so I've been using the month of December to just get back to the basics, no garmins, no tracking...just getting out there 5-6 days a week and being active.  Joined a month long boot camp and learned a lot of core strengthing exercises.  

I have 2 kids (6 & 8) and am looking to rejoin the work-force to help support my triathlon habit (really want a new bike!). So it's going to be an interesting season trying the find the right balance.  

If there's room, I would like to join.

Short bio of myself --

I am a forty year old married male with 3 great kids (9, 7, and 3) and a tolerant supportive wife.  2012 goals are Rev3 Quassy HIM and Lake Placid.  I'll also probably do a sprint and olympic distance at Quassy (convenient location).  This is my second year of triathlons and my first at some of the longer distance races.

My current training right now is focused on Jorge's winter cycling plan and trying to build up some mileage running.  I've got a decent swim background from my younger days (10 year competitive swimmer through HS) so primarily focused on bike and run at the moment -- I plan to start adding some swims in the mix in January.  I'm working on getting my files uploaded to the training logs (at least from August-December).

Thanks so much for the welcome.  Real name is David.

Hi Jenny!  I'd like to join your mentor group.

My name is Karl and I'm a total noob when it comes to triathlon.  I'm a 35 y/o married (12 yrs) father of 3 (10, 6, 3) and I just recently signed up for my very first triathlon, philly olympic in June.  I have always dreamed about being an "ironman" but it basically consisted of watching the Kona broadcast every year, getting motivated, and then having that motivation wane and eventually get no where.  My wife has been training for a marathon for the last year and it really encouraged me to take a good hard look at where I'm at...I'm 35 and I've been out of shape and overweight for my entire adult life.  I decided to stop dreaming of one day...and make a change now!  I started running in August and ran my first half marathon in November.  I'm switching gears to tri training now and I'm really looking forward to lasting life changes and a long term involvement in triathlons.

I have a TON to learn and I'm looking forward to the inspiration, motivation and education that can come from being part of a mentor group!

I have "kind of" started training for the HM.  What it entails is trying to get 2-3 runs a week (realistically right now I am getting 2 in a week) which is one during the week of 5 ish miles, and then a longer run on the weekend (building a bit each week until I'm pretty close to the 13.1).

I think what impacts my ability to be a better runner is that the only plan I've ever followed is for distance - I never do tempo or speed workouts. 

I have started re-entering the logs.  I started doing this last summer, but got lazy.  I will try to keep these up better this time.

Fallon

Hi my name is Maria.  I just finished writing my life story and somehow lost it.  Arhg!!!!

So the short version is I'm 52, single, have been a runner for a few years with 6 marathons under my belt.  Slow all the way around, but can do the distances.  I have done one indoor tri and a sprint tri this Fall.  My biggest limiter is swimming, but I'm working on it, although I also need lots of help with my biking.

My goal for this year is to do a sprint triathlon and better my times.  I would especially like to be able to do the swim in a reasonable time and not be totally spent when I finish it so I'll have more energy for the rest of the race.

What I'm looking for other than an experienced person who can help me planning and executing my training is the accountability of having to log my training and know that there is someone out there that cares whether I get out the door to exercise or not.

Thanks.  I hope I can join your group.

Maria

Hi Jenny,

Can I join? I'll post a bio later. But right now I want to take advantage of a quiet house and get on the bike trainer for a little while.

-Heidi

Thanks Jenny.  I'll fill you in some more.  I'm currently training for the Houston Marathon, so my focus right now is running.  I'm also swimming twice a week with a masters program, where I have found a wonderful coach who is working with me on technique and I am starting to see some improvements.  When I started I was not moving forward when I tried kicking with a kickboard (and sometimes went backwards lol).  I am now up to being able to kick 25 yards.  The endurance is also getting better as is my stroke.  The bike is sort of going by the wayside right now.  I'm trying to either do a spin class or get out for a ride at least once a week, but don't always get there.  I hate the cold and biking in the cold is not in the least appealing, especially since I've never done it.  I have enough problems getting out to run when it's cold.  However, when other people are wilting in the heat I am as happy as a clam.

I would eventually like to move up to the Olympic distance and then maybe HIM, but I have to work a lot more on my swimming before I can attempt any of that.

I got inspired to try triathlon by a friend who completed the TXIM last May and is training to do it again next year.  I have another friend who did a pool sprint distance in July and I went to watch and cheer.  I decided I would start training and see what happened.  I'm a pretty determined person when I set my mind to it, so I signed up a the LifeTime Indoor Tri in September and for a short sprint (300/10/3) in October.  I finished both and was not the last in my age group, so I was happy with that.  But I would like to improve and add more challenges.

My running partners are not really into the tri thing.  One can't swim and is afraid of the water and the other one is more interested in the social aspect of running.  I need like minded people to keep me motivated and honest.

Let's see, what else... Oh yes, I live in Houston, TX.  My 6 marathons have been Dublin (TNT in 1996), San Antonion RNR 2008, Houston 2009, Philly 2009 (on my 50th birthday). New Orleans 2010 and Marine Corps 2010.

Maria

Hi Every one!

Now that my bike ride, dinner and homework are all done, I have a few minutes to post a bio.

Name: Heidi

Story: I've been an off and on runner since Jr. high. I started swimming about 8 years ago when I had a ruptured tendon in my foot and couldn't run or bike for a year. That being said, I'm a total hack at the swim- I learned in the neighborhood lake as a kid. A few years ago I started biking to work, and it was my favorite part of every day. I quickly realized I was unofficially tri training, so I entered one  just to be able to say "I did a Tri." I fell in love with the sport, and kept going. To date, I've only done Sprint distances, primarily because whenever I try to up my running past 5 mile runs, I re-injure my tendon.

Family Status: Married for 10 years. I think my husband is training for a HIM, but he doesn't want to admit it yet. We have 3 kids (21, 9 and 5). We also have 2 large dogs and 2 cats.

Current Training: I'm recovering from a torn ligament in my wrist and some trauma induced Carpel Tunnel, so every thing is toned down right now. Biking is especially difficult.

2011 Races: A few 5k's.  I completed a 50 mile bike ride in September. I organized a 1/2 marathon last June, and then we got our puppy in early July. So, training really took a back seat for the summer. My favorite tri was cancelled for 2011, and at that point I opted not to enter any others for the year.

2012 Races: I'm not sure yet. I have my eye on a few different Sprints and am still hopeful that I could possibly do an oly. The 50 mile bike ride is a definite.

Weight loss: I'd like to drop about 5 to 10 lbs, but my current weight is pretty reasonable. I dropped about 20 when I first started training a few years ago, and I've managed to keep it off.

Jenny,

Can I join your group?  I'll post by bio soon.

Sherilyn

Hi, I’m Sherilyn. 

Story:  I completed 5 sprint triathlons several years ago where I placed twice.  For the past 5 years I have been the Co-Race Director and Volunteer Coordinator for a 1500 participant Olympic distance triathlon.  I am also the Co-Race Director and Volunteer Coordinator for a 1500 participant marathon/half marathon.  I have completed over 20 marathons.  Most races were completed in 4 to 5 hours.  For the past 5 years, I have also been deeply involved with our local running club including President.  I am currently the Tennessee RRCA State Representative.  In 2007 I went to Kona and volunteered for the IM World Championships.  Currently I help time our running club’s races and work part time as a timer for Team Magic – a multi-sport event management company.  My regular job is a Sr. Programmer Analyst. 

Family Status:  Happily married for 22 years.  We have no children but we do have 2 dogs and 3 cats. 

Currently Training:  I am only running a couple of times a week.  I plan to stick to a good training plan starting at the beginning of the year.

2011 Races:  I participated in one 8K, participated on a relay team of a triathlon where I ran a 10K, ran Tennessee Ragnar Relay.

2012 Races:  Mach Tenn Triathlon (.6, 16, 4), ESi Ironman 70.3 Augusta, maybe the Tennessee Ragnar Relay and Co-Race Director and Volunteer Coordinator for Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon and the Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon & Half Marathon.

Goals:  As you can tell, I have been on the administrative side of running and triathlons.  In December I turned 49.  My goal is to do a HIM when I’m 49 and then an IM when I am 50.