The couch potato to Ironman challenge! (Page 2)

Paul, You can count me in on your challenge.  I'm not really coming from couch potato though, because I'm military and we have to maintain some standard of fitness.  I'm going to cut my years to about 3 for an ironman.  I would like to do the ironman here in germany before i leave in early 2012. 

 John

Hmm.. I don't think I qualify, or maybe I can say I started the challenge 4 years ago?

I am brand new to BT, and next Monday I begin a 14 month journey to accomplish something I had wanted to do since I was a teenager. An Ironman. 2009 Florida to be specific.

I have not run more than a mile in 20 years. With bad knees and no training I have to start as a couch potato for the run. I am quite amateurish in the swim. But, I don't think I qualify because I ride over 10,000 miles a year and have completed dozens of centuries, climbing challenges, ultra distance events, etc.

It wasn't always like that. Five years ago I was horribly out of shape, overweight, and had a triple angioplasty at the age of only 35. When I started out I could barely ride three miles on the bike path without gasping for air and taking breaks.

So... while I'm not really in the couch potato to Ironman category now, I started out there. I applaud all of you for going for it and wish you the best of luck. I got myself this far, and you can too! Cheers!

Paul, I wish you all the best with your challenge.

One thing I would recommend you doing is to blog your workouts, if you wish to have people assist you on your progress.  If you have been, than correct those times/totals that appeared in August.  'K?

Good luck!

My friend and I were just talking about this over lunch yesterday. It's a goal we both want to try and do.  (I want the tattoo - lol)

I did two tri's this year and have an xterra sheduled in 3 weeks and a 4.5 mile run in November.  BTW, FWIW this race, called the NMH 'Pie Race', is the oldest organized road race in the country, 118 years.  Five years older than the Boston Marathon. 

Next year, my plan was to do 5 sprints, 1 Oly, the Xterra and road race

The following year 2010, I was thinking about adding another Oly

If all goes according well and according to plan, in 2011, Timberman 70.3

2012, may be a repeat of 2011, or if I feel I can, Lake Placid.  Then I'll pray for the Kona lottery.  I figured if I can get this far why not reach for the stars.

2013, Lake placid (if I havent done it already)

I want in! Due to two small children and a demanding job it may take me a little longer to get there. To me it doesn't matter how long it takes just as long as I get there!

I completed my first sprint tri this year. My second was cancelled due to hurricane ike. Next year I want to compete in a sprint and possibly an olympic distance.

Nothing like starting off small!!!

Count me in... 4-5 years is a GREAT time frame for me... I just turned 46, so it would be AWESOME to do one before reaching 50 - but I'll take 51...

 I was COUCH and 40 pounds heavier 3 years ago... then I got off the couch, lost weight... started running May, 2007... Did a Marathon in May, 2008 - and got 2 stress fractures from doing it...  I'm barely able to run 3 miles now... I'm training for my first Sprint Tri... my goals are to finish races, and NOT get injured doing them!

NM

This may be a bit aggressive, but my race plan for 2009 is to progress from a sprint (March 1) to olympic distance (May 30), then finally a 70.3 (Oct. 18). There is just enough time between each of the races to complete the training plans, so long as I avoid injury.

While my ultimate goal is Ironman France (Nice), it is one of the most difficult Ironman races, due to the bike route in the mountains. I should probably start with something a bit flatter, and less deadly.