Beer Drinker Appreciation Society - Open For Business (Page 137)

Originally posted by Moonrocket

You guys are small beasts. I fell off the wagon after my race a week and a half ago and need to get back on. Had to go to San Fran for work then to my in laws for a reunion. Lots of flying. I did get in a run yesterday.

I think I need another race on the calendar. Pretty sure a half marathon in Mass in Feb sounds pretty miserable though ;-)

Originally posted by firebert

YES. I believe that is the week after February vacation week, yes? On the 20th I'm doing a 10k. Should be fun to do a 10k and a half mary a week apart, it'll get me in a whole different winter training groove.

Originally posted by sandishr



Hmmm. Do I hear the possibility of a BDAS organized 5K in our future?

Sandi

Originally posted by drfoodlove



My second tri last year (Trail of Tears in Cape Girardeau, MO) had a keg at the finish line. Unfortunately, it was Coors Light (a sponsor).

Originally posted by myarr

Not sure if this where/how to join this group, but please correct me if I'm wrong! I literally just started. Here's my bio:

NAME: Michael or Robbie (long story...you'll see below)

STORY: I just joined this site today to find information that I can use to better myself on my journey. I attended the first training session of the local triathlon club here in Orlando, Florida this morning and it felt great! I'm just started training after receiving a kidney transplant last year due to a hereditary illness. I found out about the Transplant Games of America and the World Transplant Games through one of the nurses at the hospital. They are competitions that draw thousands of athletes for a wide variety of sports. Of those I'm considering participating in are swimming, cycling and running. I just recently got accepted to participate in the 2016 Transplant Games of America in Cleveland, OH as a member of Team Florida. I'm thrilled!

I have a long way to go before June 2016 arrives. I just started turning up the intensity on my workouts due to my doctor finally giving me the all clear. I'm 27 years old and was born with a hereditary kidney disease, Alport Syndrome. Alport Syndrome is a rare disease that my parents were aware of soon after I was born. After I graduated college with a BA in Political Science in 2011 is when my kidneys took a sharp decline. I was on dialysis for almost two years before finally getting the call in April 2014 for transplant. The transplant has been a success and I'm just living every day so grateful for the blessing I've been given.

You're probably wondering why this has anything to do with why I'm doing this. Well, I want to honor my organ donor who is no longer on this earth for her sacrifice. I started a YouTube channel about my travels and adventures honoring my organ donor (www.youtube.com/robbiesroad). I'm not doing it for fame or anything like that, but rather to bring attention to kidney disease and let those who suffer from it (especially younger folk) that it is not a death sentence and that things will be okay. I decided to go back to school for Nursing so that one day I can help those in my situation a little further. I start my second semester later this month and I'm thrilled to be one step closer to graduation.

I just purchased my first pair of running shoes, well, at least quality running shoes (pair of Hoka Cliftons as I'm a heftier fellow at around 200 pounds and need the support). Now, I'm slowly saving for a bike (dang they are expensive) which I have a feeling is going to take some time since I'm in school, but for now I can use the spinning bikes at the gym. **I copied this from my intro in the intro forum**

FAMILY STATUS: I just celebrated 6 years with my boyfriend, Afzal who's been absolutely supportive of everything and my goals!

CURRENT TRAINING: I just started the other day. I finally got in touch with the coach of the local tri group here in Orlando and met with them yesterday morning to do the trainer ride. I used a spin bike as I only have a fixie right now and am saving for a better bike (boy are they expensive!!). Also went and saw some with a friend last night. Waiting on my Hoka's to do any more running.

2015 RACES: None planned honestly. We will see where I'm at in a few months.

RACES PLANNED FOR 16: Major one: 2016 Transplant Games of America (Cleveland, Ohio - June 10-15). Others: No clue yet - If I do enough at the Transplant Games of America I can earn a spot on Team USA for 2017 World Games in Spain!

BEER PREFERENCE: Mostly anything. I'm not really a fan of many of the big name American brands. I do enjoy craft brews and absolutely love most beers out of Europe. Love a good Pilsner. Was recently in Plzen, Czech Republic and toured the Pilsner Urquell brewery!

WEIGHT LOSS: Back in 2013-14 I lost about 25 pounds by giving up wheat and I was on dialysis. Since transplant I've put most of it back on, about 20 to be exact, and that's actually what the doctors told me would happen mainly due to being healthier and having an appetite. So I've got about 20 that I would love to lose. I basically lost all muscle during my few years dealing with my illness and now that I'm starting a regimen, hoping to gained some lean muscle back.

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOR: Not sure if I'm supposed to answer this question (lol), but honestly I would make a better mentee than mentor. At least at this stage. :/

Welcome to the party Robbie! You are an official BDAS member - I'm toasting you with a beer as I speak!

I loved reading your story and the BDAS is a great group to join. We have people just starting out and those that have been working out for a while. So there is a lot of info here.

I have two requests - one that you try to post to this group at least a few times each week. The more you get involved - the more the group can help motivate you. For me - this group is all about accountability. I remember having this super clear thought one morning in the shower that hit me so hard... I had just lost nearly 100 pounds and was worried that I might gain it all back. But my thought was - as long as I stick with Kevin, DH, Thor and Cynthia - I wlll never go back because they won't let me. So, thats a long way of saying that being in the BDAS will help you along your road.

Second request - you are not allowed to post how warm in is in Florida in February. Most of us are from up north and there is nothing worse then seeing sunny skies when theres 4 feet of snow on the ground. Deal?

Originally posted by Qua17



So John - are you in?

Originally posted by Qua17

OK Gretchen. Time to be honest - did you have a glass?

Originally posted by Qua17



OK Gretchen. Time to be honest - did you have a glass?

Originally posted by firebert

Robbie - welcome! I loved reading the story as well. It's very inspirational, and a fantastic reminder to me on my main training/competing mantra. Be happy and be thankful that I'm able to do this. Training will have good days and bad days, there will be setbacks, little injuries or challenges with time, races will have bumps and things that don't go according to plan. But the point is that I get to be there doing it. It keeps me going through the workouts and more importantly through the races where I'm pushing harder than I ever have.

My wife's family is from north east of you on I4 (Deltona) and so I spend at least one vacation a year in Orlando. The pic in my profile is from the Beer'd Run in Orlando last November. It's a 5k, very friendly (they didn't even record our times, just kept the clock running so you could see where you finished), and there was beer at the finish line along with the beard competition. Lots of fun. November should be far off enough for you to commit to a 5k especially with them fancy new shoes. One of the best motivators I have for training is having a calendar with races booked so that it forces me to keep training. Actually come to think of it you'll be ready for a 5k long before then, but if you're looking for a local race to add to the calendar, that's a great one!

Originally posted by firebert

Here's the link:
http://beerdrun.com/

It's around Lake Baldwin - perfectly flat, and in a bit of an upscale neighborhood. There's one of those open air shopping areas nearby that has some restaurants and such.

Originally posted by sandishr

Hi Robbie (I missed if you prefer Robbie or Michael?),

Welcome! One of my best friends had a kidney transplant a couple of years ago, also due to a hereditary disease, so I know a bit about what you've gone through, past/present/future. He too gained ~20 pounds after feeling so drastically different and better.

I also had a fairly significant medical trauma this year and have battled to get my mojo back. Given that experience as well as what I know about my friend, here's my advice: Focus on the journey, regaining your health and stamina, and not the weight. As you said, you've likely lost a significant amount of muscle tone over the past few years, so weight alone is going to be a poor reflection of your health in the same way it would be for someone who was "just 20 lbs overweight". Eat clean and well (which I know you have had to do anyways while waiting for the kidney) and listen to what your body says it needs. As you begin swimming, biking, running, you will gain muscle tone, strength, etc. You may also be going through routine medication changes as a part of the whole process--just routine from your transplant/medical condition, but also as you become more active and your body as well as it's output/intake needs change. You need to learn to listen to your body's response to this whole combination...."Am I dizzy because I live in Florida and I went for a longer bike ride than I used to today or I swam a mile and I'm not used to hydrating and I'm normally dehydrated", or "Is that from Medication X", or "Oh man, I ate and it wasn't a great idea after all"....you'll experience all of those, most likely. And for you it's super important to be able to assess what's going on and monitor various physical sensations that might be more (or less) significant than they would be for other athletes.

Given this, I'd say to hold off six months before focusing on weight/fat. I *guarantee* you that if you're beginning this activity program and burning 500 calories a day in intentional exercise, that as long as you're eating well and hydrating, you'll be losing fat and gaining muscle/strength/stamina. Many people measure themselves rather than focusing on a scale. Or even photos on a bimonthly basis that help show you how you're changing. Don't get me wrong...the weight may well come off with increased exercise and a healthy diet...but I wouldn't focus on numbers on a scale too immediately.

Hope this makes sense? Again, welcome to the group!

Sandi

Originally posted by myarr

Sandi, that's all very good information. Thank you for sharing! The medications have pretty much stabilized and they've even taken me off quite a few. The swimming yesterday was a challenge, but I got through it and felt pretty good afterward. Part of my main concern is I don't know how many calories to eat. I also have hypothyroidism and that's one medication I take. I can run in 5 minute intervals, so I think that's a good start!

Originally posted by myarr



Deal! Might I ask for some pointers on how you lost the weight? I'm around 200 pounds now and would like to get down to like 170/175. I trained with the group on Tuesday morning for the bike trainer. There were about 25 people and myself as well as a few others had spin bikes (will be using until I save the money for a decent bike). Also I've found good running and swimming plans to work up to distance, but probably should look for something for bike workouts. Sorry, I really don't have much of a clue what I'm doing just yet, but I know I will in time! Cheers!

Originally posted by Qua17

I want to become a middle of the pack athlete - right now, I'm bringing up the rear. So maybe I should change my goals to finish smack dab in the 50% percentile. But what is average when it comes to bike speed in a HIM?

Originally posted by myarr

John - thank you so much for the pointers and congratulations on your achievements! I spoke to my friend tomorrow and we are going to pick a 5K here soon and set a date!

Dave - Thanks for that. I really don't eat that bad and how did you know I ate steel cut oats with frozen organic blueberries every morning LOL! I do like something sweet at night and try not to deprive myself of it too often. I have myfitnesspal but really hate recording everything. I will make sure to use it and add you and anyone else I might see that is on there. A safe range for me as far as protein goes is around 100 grams/day and not much more. To preserve the kidney function of my donated organ, I need to try to stay around that. I try to keep the fat at around 20-30% and keep the carbs low, but then it shoots protein up and honestly don't know where to put the difference!!

Originally posted by Snewo



Hi Robbie/Michael,

Welcome!

We're a pretty noisy forum. If you miss a few days it'll take you a while to catch up. Sorry in advance for your lost time in trying to keep up. Personally I fall into the newbie category since this is my first year. Everyone here is very motivating and supportive. If you stay with us in here then we'll try our best to help however we can.

What are the distances that you have signed up for in the Transplant Games?

Everyone has been giving great advice. I'd like to add my 2 cents since I think some of this might help you out.

- For running, find a couch to 5K program and do it. They are structured well and should bring you along slowly enough to make sure you don't hurt yourself. With your added health issues you should obviously pay more attention to what your body tells you and make sure your doctor knows what you're planning to do. I started by doing 5K races and now I've graduated to Triathlons this year.

- You're not a super hero. You will stumble, you will fall, just pick yourself up and keep going. Those days when you don't workout and you overeat don't define you. They're a minor stumbling block on your way to improvement.

- For swimming, I don't know your ability but this site was helpful to me: http://ruthkazez.com/swimming/ZeroTo1mile.html Don't be afraid to take some classes though, everyone can improve.

- Running is the most pain inducing part of triathlon training. The lower impact nature of swimming and biking in comparison really give you a nice balance. I'd recommend you either rest or swim or bike the day after a run to allow the body to recover.

- Find a partner or triathlon club. We'll motivate you the best we can, but having training partner would be a GREAT motivator. One at the same skill level or just a bit higher would be ideal.

- Find what works for you. Some insane people like to workout in the early morning hours. Normal incredibly sane people like to workout in the lovely evening hours. Find what works for you and make it part of your routine. Routine is key because sometimes just KNOWING that it's a workout day will get you off the couch.

- Keep your legs moving on the stationary bikes until you buy that newer bike. That way your legs will be closer to being ready once you hop on for real.

- There are some nice deals on bikes towards the end of the year. If you're not sure just how "into it" you will be then I recommend you try to borrow a bike for your race if possible.

- As an organ donor myself, I'm proud of what you're doing. My opinion has always been "If I'm not going to use it, then I want someone else to use it." There is no better way to "use it" then to get out there and kick life in the pants. Show life who's the boss and that you're here and you're not going anywhere. Good for you.

- You can do this. I went from barely swimming and biking to doing Olympic distances within 6 months. Just take your time and you'll be fine.

Now that you've joined us in going down this road, here is my prediction. I'll buy you a beer if this doesn't happen. (It cannot be Coors Light and it may need to be long distance since my Orlando trip with the family was last year.):

- Within 3 months the following thought will go through your head: "I'm looking forward to working out tonight."

- Within 3 months someone will tell you that you look good and ask "if you've lost some weight".