Matt Gilmartin's Group- CLOSED~ we're swimming! (Page 2)

GatorRunner - 2011-12-25 4:18 PM

NAME: GatorRunner/Aaron

STORY: I was a runner back in high school, logging 50 and 60 mile weeks.  FOP for high school cross country, but not scholarship level.  My running stopped when I was in college, I was busy with school and working, but stayed moderately active playing recreational sports.  My wife and I got married after graduation and realized we had both managed to gain 25-30 lbs in 4 years.  We started eating better and lost some weight.  March 2011, my wife heard about this program called Couch 2 5k through a co-workered and decided we should run some to get those last few pounds off.  I instantly fell in love with running again, and we are currently training for our first 1/2 marathon in March.  While running in June and July with 95-100 degree heat I decided we needed to do something different next year.  That's when the idea of triathlon hit me.  We've bought bikes for Christmas and are member of the local Y.  We are all set for our triathlon training come the new year!  

FAMILY STATUS: Married, no kids yet.

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently training for a half marathon in March.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: I did a number of 5ks and one 10k.  With a podium in a small 5k.

2012 RACES:  1/2 marathon in March and October.  Marathon in December, and (crosses fingers) Goofy's Race and a Half in Jan. 2013.  Looking at the Trigator Super Sprint in April, and local sprint tri's in June and August.

 

GatorRunner - 2011-12-25 4:18 PM

NAME: GatorRunner/Aaron

STORY: I was a runner back in high school, logging 50 and 60 mile weeks.  FOP for high school cross country, but not scholarship level.  My running stopped when I was in college, I was busy with school and working, but stayed moderately active playing recreational sports.  My wife and I got married after graduation and realized we had both managed to gain 25-30 lbs in 4 years.  We started eating better and lost some weight.  March 2011, my wife heard about this program called Couch 2 5k through a co-workered and decided we should run some to get those last few pounds off.  I instantly fell in love with running again, and we are currently training for our first 1/2 marathon in March.  While running in June and July with 95-100 degree heat I decided we needed to do something different next year.  That's when the idea of triathlon hit me.  We've bought bikes for Christmas and are member of the local Y.  We are all set for our triathlon training come the new year!  

FAMILY STATUS: Married, no kids yet.

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently training for a half marathon in March.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: I did a number of 5ks and one 10k.  With a podium in a small 5k.

2012 RACES:  1/2 marathon in March and October.  Marathon in December, and (crosses fingers) Goofy's Race and a Half in Jan. 2013.  Looking at the Trigator Super Sprint in April, and local sprint tri's in June and August.

 

cahoinowski - 2011-12-26 8:57 AM

Name: cahoinowski/chris hoinowski

Story: i live in wilmington, delaware with my wife of two years and i am a dad of two great boys aged 8 and 7.  i was a swimmer as a kid, played high school football, wrestling and ice hockey.  i want to do a sprint tri on fathers day.  i am way over my h.s. weight and would like to get in shape for a tri and shed some weight.  i would like to become a better runner.  thats my weak link.

i am a nurse and have a degree in exercise science as well.  it is a shame for me to be in this shape with my knowledge base.  i need to set a better example for my kids, family and patients.

my goal is three sprints in 2012!

mmez - 2011-12-26 11:44 AM

Newbie here if ever there was one!

Name: mmez/Mariah P.

Story: New to tri's. Did one multi-sport event in September (a 500 swim followed by a 5k run). I finished dead last out of 9 competitors (ironically though, every participant finished 1st in their respective age group!). I have never actually podiumed, but continue to participate. May never be anything more than a BOP athlete, but at least I'm out there, right?

Family: I am married to a former Marine who is now a stay at home dad. We have been married for almost 15 years and have 2 children - a 9 year old boy who has been running 5k races since he was 3 (also just completed his first half marathon), and a 7 year old girl who has also been running 5k's since she was 4 and has also done one tri and a multi-sport event (250 swim and a 2 mile run). My husband is also wanting to do a tri or two this year as well.

Current training: I'm active duty military and have been running (not seriously and certainly not consistently) for about 6 years when we started running with (chaperoning) our children on their runs. I learned how to swim in July and have been swimming with a Masters group 3-4 times a week. I bought a road bike a little over a month ago and have it set up on a trainer in our front room. We just joined a gym and I have been participating in a "Winter Gains" spin class once a week with a former Redman Ironman winner.

2011 races: I ran in several 5k races this past year, but they were all at my daughters pace. I think her fastest was about 39 minutes or so. I also did the one swim/run event in which I finished last.

2012 calendar: nothing on the schedule yet, although I would like to get in a sprint and maybe an oly in. I think my husband also plans on us doing a couple more of the 500 swim/5k run events starting in April. I'll be moving to Germany in June so I'm not sure what opportunities I'll have out there!

Looking forward to getting started if I am accepted and hope everyone has a great New Year!

katartizo - 2011-12-25 8:20 PM

Name: Bryan Walker

Live in Round Rock, Texas;

First time at doing triathlons - wanted to do it after college, but could not find the time and did not believe in myself. Currently I am a registered nurse and manage a hospice team. I turn 50 this next June and decided that I wanted to do a triathlon to celebrate the end of my 5th decade. Did some 5k and 10k's in college. Have not competed in any races in 20+ years. Looking to change my lifestyle and be more active and drop some weight.

phyre_cyclone - 2011-12-26 3:28 PM

Greetings Matt.  I've been a long time lurker, but would love to be a part of your group. 

 

Name:  phyre_cyclone (Christian)

Location:  Central Iowa

My Story:  I'm probably one of the younger members (29, will turn 30 in January).  I was active and athletic in my younger years and throughout grade school - swimming, tennis, track, recreational biking.  When I got to high school I succumbed to peer pressure and started smoking.  Smoked for nearly 12 years until I started dating the woman that would eventually be my wife.  It was then I decided to take on a healthier lifestyle.  I got into cycling and a couple of years later joined a gym.  It just so happened that the trainer I started working with was involved in triathlon and got me hooked.  2011 was my first season and I'm looking forward to an improved 2012.

Family:  Married, no kids

Current training:  Was at 6 days/week before I got sick.  Had a couple rounds of respiratory issues, but am slowly improving.  Plan on getting back into my workout cycle - about 8 per week until it starts to get warmer outside.

2011 Races:  3 sprints - 1 of which turned into a duathlon - a handful of 5K's and a half marathon.  All races in the state of Iowa.  (Never took the time to update my race logs)

2012 Races:  Haven't done my race planning yet, but would like to do a few Olympic distance races this year and train up to a full marathon towards the fall. 

Weight loss:  Right now I'm in weight loss mode.  I'm 5'9" and about 180 lbs.  My goal weight is to be between 160-165.  I just started the Paleo Diet a few weeks ago and have been working myself in to it.  Will be easier since the holidays are behind us. 

Goals for 2012:  Go sub 1:20 in a sprint, complete an Olympic distance race, complete full marathon

Hope I am a good candidate for your group.  Thank you for your consideration. 

stevesflyshop - 2011-12-26 9:38 PM

I'd like to be in this group if it's still open.

Name: stevesflyshop aka Steve Elmshaeuser.

About me: I'm 42 and married to my wonderful wife who is supportive of my new venture. We live near Sidney Nebraska. I started becoming more active in the spring of 2011 in an effort to continue my weight loss journey. I started running and did a 10k in May. I had always wanted to do a triathlon and was finally in good enough shape to try one. I did a sprint tri in July. I was hooked. I then did a couple 5ks and the Rock n Roll Denver marathon.

My 2012 goals:

Boulder half marathon with my wife

Bolder Boulder 10k in May

Seattle rock n roll marathon in June with my brother.

Ironman Boulder 70.3 August.

Other smaller tris as part of my training plan.

My weakness:I'm a novice swimmer and don't have access to an indoor pool. I'm running and biking but won't be able to hit a pool until February (it's being renovated). I plan to do a lot of open water swimming at Lake McConaughy as soon as the weather warms up. I also do not have anyone to train with for biking and swimming at this time. I'm really a novice at this but willing to put the time and training in. My ultimate goal is the full course Ironman (2013).

Steve

Batabings - 2011-12-26 5:56 PM

Hey Matt,

I'll be turning the big FOUR OH in 2012 and wanted to get a few things off the bucket list.  

Family:  Married with two boys ages 15 and 20.  Both have an under 5 minute mile time.

Training:  As for me I have been running mostly with some biking.  I have about an 8 minute pace for 6 miles.  I just purchased a Cervelo P2 (just waiting on delivery) and can't wait to start training more.  I also just received a gift certificate for two years at 24hr fitness.  This is where I plan to get most of my swims in.

2011: MuddyBuddy, Warriordash, Day After Thanksgiving 10k

2012:  I have already signed up for a duathlon, 3 sprint tri's and a marathon.  So there's no turning back. 

Why I'd like you to be my mentor: I like that you have a strong swimming background since I believe that will be a weakness for me. Also I can't help note that you have actually finished on a podium before,although that wouldn't be a necessity it certainly is a strong plus. I'm hoping you can help me out. Please let me know--Thank you--Jamey Slaton from San Jose, CA.

mmez - 2011-12-26 9:47 AM I haven't heard from Matt as to whether or not I've been added to this group, but in the meantime, I'm curious as to what everyone has on their training schedule for today. I'll be walking around Six Flags all day followed by a spin class at my local tri shop. It's a cool class - you bring your bike and trainer and we move all the merchandise out of the way and set up in the middle of the store for the class! The biggest class has been 7 with the smallest class being 3 of us! As a new cyclist, it's nice to be able to have a small class. The instructor was a Redman Ironman winner and has really done a great job of explaining things to me so that once I get out on the road, I'll be more comfortable with shifting and whatnot. It's funny, though, because if he doesn't think you're working hard enough he'll walk over to you and adjust the tension on your back wheel or change your gears. It's only been a month, but I feel stronger already ( not hard considering it's my first road bike)! Hope everyone has their best training day ever!

mcgilmartin - 2011-12-26 10:23 AM Robin, I'm a gold member and I definitely like the features.  That being said, I'm notorious for NOT sticking to a training plan.  I usually have an active one in place, but I didn't add one at the end of last season.  That being said- I'd suggest you have some sort of training plan in place, whether it's one from BT or somewhere else.  What's nice about the BT ones (and I don't work here so I've got no skin in the game)- the plans are easily customized, they're made to be imported into your training log, and you'll generally get good support in the forums while using one since most BT'ers are familiar with them.  It's a pretty small cost to upgrade, so I would suggest you decide if you want to get a training plan here or pay for one from another resource.

wendy109 - 2011-12-27 10:17 AM

Hi Matt! Looking for a group that will fit me well. Here goes

Name: Wendy Standridge

Age: 35

Married for going on 11 yrs. 2 boys aged 4 and 7

I'm 5'9 and weigh 145. Live in East Tx. I live on the lake which would be fantastic if it weren't so stinking cold right now. So indoor swimming is a must and is available.

I'm a gym rat! I am studying to get my personal training certification. I know a good deal about the structure of the body and am pretty well versed in theory but practice is where I need help. I swim well. I teach swim lessons to kiddos. I run decently. I can hold my own in shorter distances (3-5miles). I can bike (stationary) for 10 miles no problemo. The issue is being able to do it all together, knowing how far and when to train and in what particular order. When am I doing too much, or not enough. I've never competed in a triathlon. I ran in 5k's before I had my 7yr old. My last one was May 2003 and I placed 2nd in my age group (must have been some SLOW 20-30 yr olds, LOL). I weight train upper body 3 times/week, lower 1-2x/week.

My plan is to compete in the "my first tri" in April (a slightly shorter version of a sprint and it's not in open water) then a sprint in May. I don't know if I qualify as a newbie or not and if I'm not a good fit for this group, that's cool! I'd rather have the honesty and find a group that I will fit into well.

Thanks for your time and your efforts to bring out the athlete that I believe is trapped in us all. We all want to be great, we just have a hard time getting up off the couch to get it done.

Wendy

catiek - 2011-12-27 1:39 PM

I am just so excited to say that I have broken another world record (I already have a serious one for participating in the world's largest ballet class).  I lost weight over Christmas and Boxing day!  I can't believe it, I am so pumped.  If I can do it over the eating fest that is Christmas, I can do it for the rest of the year.

With weather like we have right now, sunny and around 33C (91.4f) I am off to the pool for a swim and then out for a ride after.  It is way too beautiful to not get outside and I am so pumped that I lost more weight.  -10kg here I come!

katedragon2 - 2011-12-27 7:54 PM

Hi Matt, I'd love to join your group if there still is space.  This is just the accountability that I need!   Name: Kate Story: I'm a first timer to triathlons.  I have been a runner off and on for the past few years.  Completed 2 half marathons and several 5 and 10ks.  I work in a high stress job and need exercise as an outlet (I should mention, that I work for a candy manufacturer!!).  I've signed up for a sprint tri this spring / summer with my boyfriend.  We have some time to train - we're Canadian and the tri season starts a little later up here! Family Status: Just my competitive boyfriend and me Current Training: I"m still trying to keep up the running and in the new year the swimming / cycling starts to get incorporated.  I'm a newbie, so I'm open and flexible on my training schedule  2012 Races: 10k race in April, Sprint tri in June Weightloss: I recently lost 20 lbs (now down to 155lbs) working with a naturopath.  Discovered I had several food allergies and working diligently to stay healthy although not necessarily looking to lose weight Hope you have space for me.  I'd love to be apart of your team.   Thanks! -kate

mcgilmartin - 2011-12-27 9:31 PMWe're about halfway to 15 members so far. Looking for about 5-6 more serious people.  

lovetheseashore - 2011-12-27 10:03 PM

Hi Matt,

I'm not a newbie in that I've done one sprint triathlon, but I'm definitely a beginner.  I'd like to be part of your group, if you think I'd be a good fit. 

Thanks,

Sheryl

About Me:

Name:  lovetheseashore (Sheryl)

Location: Franklin,MA

Story:  I was not athletic growing up, only doing dance and other music-related activities.  Back in 2010, I decided to start training for a 5k as I read in a magazine where someone wrote that they didn’t like to workout, but they liked training for something.  I had been trying to drop some weight, and I liked the carrot versus the stick approach, so off I went.  I did my first 5k in May of that year followed by one each month for the next 4 months.  In November 2010, a client inspired me to train for a sprint triathlon.  It has been such a blessing as I’ve also used the training as a metaphor/anchor to keep me focused as I’ve worked through some personal challenges.  As a result, I’ve grown to love the training!  I started in January of this year and completed my first sprint triathlon in August.  They say slow and steady wins the race, and that would definitely apply to me (although I didn't win but came in last...finishing was the goal!).  Although I have done one triathlon, I consider myself a beginner, as I feel I need to work on everything…especially the swimming and running.

Family Status:  Almost divorced, mother of two wonderful children, 19-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son

Current Training:  Training has kind of slowed down over the last month or so and I’m looking to get back into the swing of things.  Just reviewed the training plans on BT and have chosen to do the 20-Week Sprint-Run-focused.  I chose this one because I’d also like to participate in a summer running series that someone I know and her husband put on from June to September with races ranging from a 5k to 25k.  I also started working with a strength trainer this month and plan on incorporating that into the training plan on my running days as well.

2012 Races:  I plan on doing the local YMCA sprint triathlon (where I train) and am trying to put together a group of people I workout with to do it with me.  Depending on when it is held, I hope to do the Sharon’s Back triathlon again this year.  It was a great experience and a great course for someone who is new to the sport.  There will also be some 5Ks mixed in as well to help with the running.

Weight Loss:   Part of the focus on running is also to help in this area.  I went to a triathlon expo at the MIT Fitness Center and heard Nancy Clark speak.  She talked about how women don’t tend to lose weight like men do when training and that it is more diet related for us.  Although I would rather spend more time working out than monitoring my food intake, I’m going to follow some general guidelines and let nature take its course.  I eat okay so I’m hoping it’s just a matter of timing and adding some protein…and possibly getting more sleep.

My Weaknesses:  I didn’t learn to lap swim until I was in college, and only learned one-sided breathing at that time.  The lifeguard at the pool where I train has helped me learn bilateral breathing, but I find I’m still easily winded.  I have grown to love swimming and look forward to learning how I can become better at it.  I’m also not a very fast runner…I tend to plod along.  I look forward to learning what I can do to improve my form and increase both my distance and speed.