Schmize's Group - FULL

Scott - Welcome to the group! 

I can tell just by your introduction that you are highly motivated and have caught the triathlon bug!  And w/o even racing, yet.  After your first race, it only gets worse

The IM goal is a very lofty one, but I would never tell anyone they shouldn't do something.  You are very young, which is a great asset in this sport.  And I happen to know a guy who did an IM in his first season (he was 23).  However, increasing mileage too fast is a great way to get injured, so really, really listen to your body. 

Friel's training bible is great and so is HR training.  I utilize it often.  There are some good things in Laughlin's book and it really is one of the best places to start.  Some very good drills in it.  I don't agree with everything in there, but we can talk about that later.

Do you know what your LTHR is?

Go Wildcats!  Except when they play Marquette.  And I wish I would have started this sport when I was your age!

Mikkel - Welcome to the group!

Isn't it amazing how a couple kids can put weight on the ol' frame?  Not sure if they are always the culprit, but I know I added weight during my wife's pregnancies and never took it off until triathlon.  We will definitely get that weight off this season.

Having a marathon under your belt, I don't think you will have any issues with an HIM, especially with your mindset on challenges.

I will be posting some questions and ideas for you all, as we fill out the group.

Angelo - Welcome to the group.  And don't give up the weights, they have some great benefit..and its fun for you....which is the whole deal anyway.

That makes 4 of us (3 plus me).  We will take a couple of more.

Since this thread will remain ours until end of March (and probably beyond), everyone might want to hit the toggle email button down in the right part corner of this thread.  This will email you with a notice that someone has added to the thread.

Also, everyone needs to keep their logs up to date.  I encourage our group to use the "inspire" function for our group.  It will help keep everyone motivated.

We are filling up fast!

Denny - Welcome to the group!  I have some good workouts to help you get faster on the run.  Of course, patience and consistency are key there as well.

Looks like we are rounding out just perfectly.  All of us have similar goals, too.  Of course, getting faster is almost everyone's goal on this site.

Sarah - You are in!  And you are definitely in the right place. 

The group has everything we need.  Everyone seems very motivated and willing to put in the effort.  I will definitely be here for advice, but I know some of you have done some triathlons, too, so please pipe up if need be.  I have learned so much, and plan to learn from you guys, as well.

I am going to close this down with the 6 of us being a good number for our group.

OK, the schmize group consists of:
Orangeburst, mbondesen, AngeloS, lawlordc, and Sarah Ray.

I encourage each of you to add me and the above people to your friends page in your blog.  Also, hit the toggle button at the buttom for email updates.  I made a link to this thread on my blog, as well.  YOu can do it, too, by cutting paste the link to your my links in your blog.  If you have any questions on that or need help navigating through BT, just post it here and one of us can help.  Keep your logs up to date and visit everyone often to offer them words of encouragement.

So, lets get this started with some questions that will help us in meeting our goals for next season.   What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, next season goals (2-4 major ones), Long term goals, and "Why you Tri"

I will start:

Strengths: Swim (which is strange b/c I am self taught).  I do have the advantage of growing up around lakes and rivers and just swimming all the time, but never competively.  It also helps that most triathletes are runners/bikers by trade.  Also, pretty good on the bike.  I would also list my mental toughness and consistency as strengths.  Very hard for me to miss a workout or make excuses.

Weaknesses: The run.  But by training for a marathon and really working on my run this off season, I have started to get my run in line.  I was never slow, but compared to the other two disciplines and competition, I knew I had to get faster.

Next Season: Train smart and get through my first IM (MOO).  I would also like to get faster and finish at the top of my age group in the other smaller/shorter races I do.  Finish SOR (HIM) in under 5 hours (did 5:04 last year).  Continue to get faster in all disciplines.  Stay injury free!  Try and stay married (heh.  Being funny here b/c my wife and family are very supportive, but I need to not get crazy w/ IM training)

Long Term:  Stay with triathlon for a long time.  Stay in shape and keep competing.  Maybe even coach some day?  Be an ambassador to the sport.  Maybe Boston Qualify?  I know I will never get to Kona, but maybe in the form of a lottery pick?

Why I Tri:  Stay in shape.  A stress relief.  Competitiveness.  Comradorie.  Its a blast.

I like the ABs diet.  Very simple and it gets right to the point.  I did "Body for Life" about 7 years ago and it worked like a charm.  The problem was that I got comfortable and over time, I put the weight back on.  They key to any diet is that it never ends.  Body for Life has a free day, and ABS has a free meal.  I really need those.  Sometimes two or three free meals.  The good thing about doing triathlon, is that you can afford to have those meals, as long as you forget about them and stay true the rest of the time.  although, I don't follow the abs diet per se, it is pretty similar to what I do.

It took me awhile to adapt to the 6 meals.  The great thing about 6 meals, is once you get the hang of it, its really easy to do.  And after about 2-3 weeks of it, you can feel your metabolism really kick in.  You are never hungry and you never get that over full bloaded feeling.   It is a paradigm shift and you will need to plan your meals better.  I have cliff bars (or other replacement bar) in my gym bag, in the car, in my office.  I also have a jar of nuts (almonds, cashews) in my office and at home.  I bring apples, oranges, yogurt, etc. to work every day.  When I am hungry I eat.  I never go 2-3 hours w/o eating.  After a workout, I make sure and get more carbs in (that is why I like the cliff bars).

8 glasses of water a day.  This is really key for triathletes.  Keeps you hydrated for your next workout and helps you recover from todays.  It also makes you feel full.  And diet sodas, coffee, etc. are not good replacements.  If you must have one, then have an extra glass of water for the day.  I do this when having alcoholic beverages, too.  Every beer is followed by a water, etc.

Cut out the crap (as much as possible) and try and eat natural stuff.  Instead of a cookie, have a meal replacent bar.  Instead of chips, eat nuts.  Feeling hungry, grab some yogurt.  Think of food as fuel for body, and your choices will be much better.

Keep a log of what you eat.  You can do it here or fitday.com or on an excel sheet.  You will be very surprised when its on paper.  Same thing with your workouts.  Logging them has huge benefits...especially on BT.  B/c people will see them and you will feel guilty if you miss one.

Thats the basic principles.  Its easier for guys than girls to lose weight.  Its been proven.  So the women have to be a little more perfect.

Summary:  Five-Six smaller meals per day, 8 glasses of water, logging, and picking better foods will get you going in the right direction.  Realize that its a lifestyle change and it will never end.

Sarah - sorry to hear about your kid's car accident.  It sounds like everything is better now.  Based on your schedule for next year, I am thinking holding off on the HIM may be a good choice.  Could it be done?  For sure.  But, why push it?  You will like the OLY distance and if it seems too easy, then there are some "bridge" plans on BT that will fit the bill to get you ready for the HIM.

BTW, I did the 2x Oly balanced plan for my first Oly and had great success.  Good plan.

And, let me tell you having a cheering section like that never gets old.  My children (and wife, MIL) are at a ton of my races with shirts, etc.  They love it, and I find I NEED them to get me through.  Its great and I am glad they do that for you!