Milaminute and Sparco's Group - Closed

Hi BT'ers!  Sal and I have decided to combine forces and experience to bring you a mentoring group that's sure to be informational and fun.  Here's the scoop on us:

NAME: sparco / Sal
Name: Milaminute/Mila

STORY: I have had the goal of being a triathlete since I was 13, being highly motivated by reading articles and seeing a documentary about Dave Scott and Scott Tinley. I made a goal to compete, sometime in my lifetime, in the Ironman Championships (Kona), that year. I train for triathlons to stay in shape and prevent the ‘attack of the bulge’ and the spare tire. Training is also great stress relief from a sometimes hectic work schedule.
STORY: I sort of fell into triathlon... well, not literally, though that wouldn't surprise most people.  My athletic background was pretty limited.  Growing up I was a competitive figure skater.  I also did some road and mountain biking but was never serious about either one.  As a spin instructor, I've had the opportunity to meet a lot of very cool triathletes who really inspired me and encouraged me to branch out from the bike and hit the water and the running trail.  When I started training for the beginning of my addiction my first tri season, I could barely swim 25 meters and running my first mile was a victory.  I was a true beginner.  I still have a lot to learn but I also have a lot to share. 

FAMILY STATUS: Married to a wonderful wife who supports me in all that I do, and has recently acquired the title of ‘triathlete’ just last season. I have 3 children, 17, 13 and 11 and sometimes need to find creative ways to work my training around busy family and work life.
FAMILY STATUS: I have been married to my boy toy for 14 years and we have 3 amazing children. Exhibit A is 9, Exhibit B is 7 and Exhibit C is 2. 

CURRENT TRAINING: I am using the BT silver training plans to simultaneously train for a marathon and my 1st half Ironman this spring.
CURRENT TRAINING: I do whatever Sal tells me to do.  No, wait... he tells me and then I do what I want.  No, that's not it... I, too am using BT silver training plans that have been slightly modified (with Sal's help) to meet my needs for extra time on my pretty bike so I can crush the bike leg of HIM relays from time to time.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: Last season I ran a half marathon, full marathon, a few sprint tris and my first ‘Olympic’ tri (bike distance was just a little short of an ‘official’ Oly).
2008 RACES: I’m planning on a half marathon, full marathon and my 1st half Ironman distance this year.
THIS YEAR'S RACES: Last season I did Iron Girl and was then sidelined by an injury that prevented me from racing; however, I was able to do the bike leg of the SC HIM in September to finish my season on a high note. 
2008 RACES: My 2008 schedule is still tentative but I'm looking at a bike time trial, Iron Girl, one or two sprints and at least one HIM relay.

WEIGHTLOSS: I have no weight loss goal. More important to me is that I ‘feel’ like I’m fit.
WEIGHTLOSS: I'm working on dropping a few pounds of baby weight.  Yes, I realize he's two.  
 
WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: With the help of Mila (who is highly motivational, and who I met, coincidently, as a fellow ‘mentee’ in a mentor group), provide advice on beginning walking or running training and starting a swim program (I was deathly afraid of open water swimming when I competed in my 1st triathlon). Mila’s the biker and the ‘chatty’ one who has been a motivation to me with regard to BT ‘inclusion.’ I really just want people to know that it really IS possible to go from couch to triathlete in one season (I began marathon training just 3 years ago after a 10 year hiatus from working out).
WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: Ummm... my sassitude?  Nah, in all honesty, I have to overcome a lot of obstacles to train and race.  As you will find out, I have a minor health condition (read: major) that makes my body, and life in general, unpredictable.  My belief is that if I can do it, anyone can.  I truly enjoy motivating and inspiring people as well as learning from and with others.  Be warned though, I do approach things with a lot of humor and I will never fail to remind you that every mile you go as you swim, bike and run is a gift.