KathyG's 2012 Awesome Mentor Group-Full up (Page 2)

To answer:

1) Yes - I'm doing Jorge's plan by HR (I don't have a power meter and don't see it in the cards for this year)

2) The California Aids Ride is fantastic...you start at the Presidio (at least the year I did it) in San Fransico, go through Sonoma Wine Country, along the Ventura and Malibu coast into Los Angeles. When I did it - there was a requirement that you raise $2500 in order to participate - I was more worried about raising the money than finishing the course. I ended up raising around $7000 and rode every single inch.

3) Lobster Ride and Roll - actually July 21 (whoops!)...really well run, nicely supported and beautiful ride...and finished with a lobster roll!

4) It's funny you say that about your first Oly. I remember finishing feeling pretty good, but within minutes, even the bottom of my feet hurt and I was so tired I could hardly move. At that point - I couldn't imagine doing a longer event. I hope the Patriot HIM works out - I have heard really good things about the race and the location.

5) This weekend's training - long (for me - 6 miles) run Saturday before the kid's swim meet. I would like to fit a swim in there somewhere, but it's not likely. Long bike on Sunday (40 miles hopefully) on the trainer - it's snowing right now and I'm not too motivated to be out and about when things start to melt.

6) Swimming - I try. I much prefer OWS to pool swimming, but understand the necessity. I have "planned" to swim during the kid's swim practice (three times a week), but it definitely gets pushed when the schedule is tight. We have a master's swim program at the local pool, but I have tried to participate three different times with very similar frustrating results. I think I will do better on my own with guiding words from my excellent swimming friends.

I recently read an article on swim drills, and it mentioned wrapping an old bike inner tube around your ankles and swimming like that. I tried it once and was flabbergasted at how hard it was - but I think it points out weaknesses. I have decided to start each of my swim sessions off with a couple of laps with the ankles bound. Anyone else do this drill? To what result?

My coach in 2009 had me do the band swimming often. When I first started doing it felt like I'd drown doing it but in time became easier. I'd say that was the year my swimming was the best as far as keeping consistent pace on longer swims. I think I may have read the same thread you did and thought yes I should start using the band again this year once knee can handle it.

I'll be curious to see if you see any improvements using the band.

Another drill I do that is similar is pull w/o PB....very hard to keep your legs up.

What training have you done today or plan to do?

I had PT this morning which included 10' on the bike on easiest resistance. I was pleased knee and surgical site felt better on normal gym bike than recumbent.  My PT showed me how to get on a bike safely which is harder than you'd guess as I can't stand or lift my left leg. I will try to get someone to help me put my bike on the trainer and see if I can manage to get on safely.

I'll do PT at home again tonight and if I can convince someone in my family I may venture to the pool for the first time since IMFL.

Kathy - good luck getting to the pool today - we all know how frustrating it can be to have to rely on others for such basic things. It sounds like the bike riding is coming along?

I had 1.5 hours of strength (core, glutes,hamstrings, quads and hip flexors mostly) - basically a lot of iso-lateral compound exercises with a medicine ball, bosu ball, hand weights, etc. I followed that up with 1.5 hours of really easy spinning on the trainer just to flush my legs out a little bit - In the morning we are heading up to the North Georgia mountains to ride 5 hours with some good friends - today's workout should make tomorrow a great deal of "fun!" Hopefully the spinning today will help tomorrow.

The weather here continues to be crazy nice and we are going to make the best of it. It is hard to believe that this time last year we had 8" of snow on the ground - I know that is not much where many of you live, but it paralyzes us for DAYS here.

Oh! and I finally was able to de-decorate the Christmas tree. Embarrassing I know... PLEASE tell me we were not the last ones AGAIN??? This triathlon training gets in the way of everything. 

Glad to have you join us.

Living in Iceland makes tri training and racing different than what we here in the US experience.

Rusty,

I'm pleased to have you part of our group and appreciate the push of encouragement for me to have a mentor group this year.

You have had an incredible history in endurance sports. Over the years you have done things different ways, gone with technology, dropped technology then added it back.

Your first tri experience in the water is hilarious plus having your friend frame up the distance in a way that they could convince you to participate is priceless. Are you in contact or friends with those friends you started with?

Interesting how bike prices reflect how American's do at the Pro level.

I'm curious do you know how many bikes have you owned over the years?

Training like a pro prior to IM is cool with your work schedule.

My daughter is looking at architecture programs for college Fall of 2013. She went to a college fair for Architecture school at Wentworth Institute of Technology. She is also considering going to a summer program this year to see if it is a good fit for her. I'm going to have to pick your brain.

How is your passion for the sport right now? Motivation has it come back?

Passion has returned for training for sure, my sister is getting ready to start training for her first Oly this summer and i'm really excited to see her progress. She had weight loss surgery a couple years ago, lost >100 pounds, and has just run with it like crazy - it's very inspiring. That helps fuel my passion right now. Motivation is on the rise. I'm beginning to actually enjoy running even though being so slow still frustrates me. When I started from ground zero I also reset my thinking about it, just be happy with where you are. That helped tremendously. Will definitely get more excited as race season approaches. I've also been saving the NBC Kona broadcast for a rainy day - that never fails to up the mental ante.

Mental fortitude really is the 4th (or is it 5th) discipline.

How are you doing your long rides...trainer or living in OR can you get them in outside?

Mid-week rides will be on the trainer, and long weekend rides will happen outside weather permitting (rain usually cancels, temps do not). Otherwise on the trainer I go - which I don't mind as it gives me a chance to watch movies and T.V. shows I normally wouldn't get to see. We've had a dry winter so far, knock on wood we will get an early start for ramping up the long rides. Think we have a 27 miler on tap for this weekend (w.p.).

When is the Portland Marathon?

October. Training for that won't start until summer. Should have a really nice base going into that training period though.

Are you running 6x a week currently or building up to that?

This is my third week at 6x a week. I'm only up to 10 miles of running since the reboot about 8/9 weeks ago. Very slow progression. Plan is to continue 6x through March and then maybe down to 4-5x after that for race season.

What's on the schedule for today?

Today I have an exciting 1 mile run on the schedule, and probably park my butt on the trainer for a 45 min or so ride.

Eventually I would love to pick y'alls thoughts on Power Meters. I've had one since April, and have no idea what to do with it, other than record data. Will save those questions for another post though.

Thanks for the welcome, glad to be here!

If there is still room for one more then I should like to join your mentoring group!

I am 43 years old, married with 2 beautiful daughters 3 and 11 months. I started exercising regularly but without any real plan last September. The impetus for getting back in shape was my Type 1 diabetes. At the time, my 3 month A1c was hovering around 9 (normal is 5-6). I needed to do something and rather drastic. I remember how furious I was with myself for my lack of discipline and vowed to never be in that position again. So... I dusted off my Y membership, bought a road bike, and started swimming, and as it happens, found BT.

When I began, I could barely swim a length without resting, could run maybe a 1/4 mile without wanting to puke. Since then, I have swam up to a mile (1000 yds consistently), and last November competed in a 5 mile race which I finished near last - BUT I FINISHED! My goals for 2012 is to work myself in to a better runner and swimmer. I have only 1 sprint planned for this year but a run or two and a couple of long rides.

My wanting to join stems really from wanting to develop consistency and efficiency in to my workouts. Right now I feel rudderless and am unsure if I am getting anywhere. My time is somewhat limited due to my roating work shift and family (which ultimately comes first). I find that I can get to the gym around 8 pm for about 2 hours. I did buy a bike trainer so I could shoehorn some saddle time in. I am hoping, above all, for encouragement and advice.

I am hoping that this group is still open. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I would love to join this Mentor group!

STORY- My name is Amanda and have decided that this year I am going to do a sprint tri.  I have been around athletics all my life. In high school I did Volleyball, Basketball, and Track and Field.  I then did Track and Field at Kansas State University for 5 years as a thrower.  I have very little experience in the tri sports though.  This year I started doing spinning classes and got hooked on biking.  I then moved and layed off all physical activity. It is time to get back into the swing of things!

ABOUT ME- I am 24 years old and majored in Kinesiology and Gerontology.  I am currently working as a transportation planner which has nothing to do with my majors- but hey, I am loving it! I do not have any children and am not married.

MOTIVATION-My main reason for wanting to do a tri is to get back into shape.  I have recently gained weight and do not like how big I am.  I want to lose weight and get back into shape! 

Races-  I am planning on doing a sprint race in June (and definitely need to start training now!) It is at a lake about 45 minutes away. I would also like to do some 5ks between now and then. 

Goals- I am wanting to lose about 35 lbs this year.  My big goal for this year is to be able to do a sprint tri.  Eventually I would like to be able to do a half mary. It would be nice to be able to mark these off of my bucket list 

Hi Kathy

If there's enough room, I'd like to join your group too and make it even more international.  I find your posts are always worth a look and usually find some point of wisdom there :-)  I will write a biog when I'm not just about to serve dinner!

Cranberry 2006 feels like forever ago.

Schedule at the moment is slightly strange.  I do long-ish runs on Wednesdays and Fridays (right now about 10 miles) and then have back to back long bikes on the weekend (today I have a 4:10 bike, tomorrow a 3:30.  Goal is get in as much bike volume as possible.

Swimming is tough.  I'm working on getting more volume in but its a lot easier to bike or run than to get to the pool.  Right now I'm at about 10,000 yards / week.  I'm working to get that up to about 20,000 yards.  I really need about 10 minutes from my swim at IMTX. 

Hardest thing though is trying to get to race weight. 

My coach sent me this a few days ago:

You have a chance at Kona this year.  I wouldn't say Kona is likely, but it certainly could happen.  I'm not sure if it's a 20% chance, 40%, or whatever.  I can tell you this though - as long as you keep doing the workouts and stay healthy, your odds of going to Kona will almost entirely be determined by your body comp.

Its tough, for me the training is easy, its the body comp part that's hard.

Good Morning Kathy and everyone!

Yes, Kathy - we are all still very close (and competitive!)  with each other - in fact we are racing out the door to meet a few of them for our ride in the mountains. Having this bunch of friends were not only important to getting me started, but we have kept each other going without much of a break for the past 20 years. We are now scattered all over the United States, bit we keep in touch almost daily and get together several times a year to race. We typically like to take at least one real vacation trip somewhere fun together to also race. That first year we all raced together we pooled out money and bought a trophy - whoever wins any multi-sport race that at least 2 of us do gets to keep the trophy until the next race. Over the years we have added to it, and it is now over 3 feet tall. Even though I was the only one who raced Lake Placid last year, I got the sympathy vote from  the rules committee and was awarded the trophy due me HTFU and finishing the race after crashing and seperating my shoulder. I added another plaque to it that says "Ironman World Champions" with lots of rooms for names on it, and of course put my name at the top of the list. Everyone got a great kick out of that, and now 7 of us are headed to LP again to have a real dogfight for the trophy!

I am running out the door - but will answer your other questions when I get back and I have lots of questions for the group myself - it looks like we are shaping up to be a great bunch- safe training and rehabbing today everyone!

Hey Kelly - just a quick note to tell you that what you write is really inspirational for me - it is really great that you have always been out there publicly with your KQ goals - I am in the middle of a 3 year plan to get as absolutely fast as possible at the IM distance, but I have a waaaaaaay outside shot of qualifying at best. But I am still giving it a shot. Thanks for making that ok to say outloud.

Safe rides this weekend.

OK here goes my bio:

NAME: Steffi

STORY: I am German but have been living in Iceland for the past 16 years. I started running in the year 2000 when I made my first serious attempt at weightloss and ran a lot of 5 and 10K races and a few Half-Marathons in the following years. I accidentally got into Triathlon 6 years ago after my husband participated in a mini sprint indoor triathlon where there were NO female competitors. I thought that was ridiculous and decided to sign up for the next one. The summer came and the next triathlon on the schedule was a Half-Olympic distance and as I did not really train specifically for it I decided to do it as a relay with to two friends. I was supposed to bike. One week before the Tri they cancelled the relay event (for whatever reason) and I was so mad that I decided to just do the whole one without any real training. It went awesome and I got hooked right away! Since then I have participated in over 30 Triathlons (in Iceland and Germany) ranging from Mini-Sprint to Half-Ironman. My biggest limiter has always been my weight and throughout the years I have been wondering how good I could be at this sport if I would be at an ideal racing weight. THIS YEAR I WILL FIND OUT!

In this country we have a small but tight Triathlon community which has been exploding during 2011 and keep growing daily. 6 years ago having 10 participants in a race was considered a big race. Now we had several races last year with up to 80-100 people and some more on the waiting list. It will be interesting this year and it will get more competitive! In addition my husband has just been named Triathlete of the Year here in Iceland and although I am not jealous or envious of his success it gives me a boost to strive for the same thing!

FAMILY STATUS:  Have been married for 6,5 years (my husband is Mesteren on BT), no kids

CURRENT TRAINING: Due to some medical issues I was forced to stop training on November 20th 2011 and have now just been cleared to start up again. I may start with some light walking this weekend and easy biking and light jogging starting next week. I really hope I did not do too much damage to my fitness but I had no choice so I won't look back, just forward. I also had some foot problems during most of 2011 and I am really praying that these 6 weeks of rest made that go away! I guess we will find out.... I treated myself to an online triathlon coach just now and will start with him next week. I never had a coach before so I am really looking forward to it.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: This year was a tough year for me. During the winter I managed to gain the 25lbs back that I lost during the previous year which meant I did all my races in 2011 at a weight of 200-210lbs which is really hard on the body! First race was in Germany and despite the high weight I managed to get a PB and win my AG. Still have no idea how I did that. During the next race in Iceland I experienced something I never did before. I realized in the middle of the race that I did NOT have fun! I somehow lost my Mojo during that race... I still kept training and struggled with the weight, did 5 more races and luckily found my Mojo back and ended the season with a HIM in Germany at 205lbs and that was the toughest race of my life and I swore I would never ever compete in a HIM again at that weight! My body was punishing me for weeks after!

2012 RACES:  First race of the year is Abu Dhabi on March 3rd 2012. I am registered for the Short distance which is 1,5K swim, 100(!)K bike and 10K run. I don't think it is wise to attempt that distance though coming of a 6 weeks break and only having 8 weeks to train so I am currently trying to change my entry to the sprint distance which is 750m swim, 50K bike and 5k run. I hope it works although I am already crying on the inside as one of the reasons for doing that race was to get to bike on the Formula 1 course and during the sprint bike you won't get to do that! But none or less this will an interesting race for me and my husband as there is no outside biking for us right now so the race will be done coming off the bike trainer. And the temps are likely to be a LOT higher than here in Iceland

Races for the rest of the Season have not been finalised yet but will likely include a few shorter races in May and June in Germany and Iceland, a HIM in Iceland in July, an Olympic in September in Germany and then a HIM (preferably a 70.3) somewhere in the US or Mexico in the Fall.

WEIGHTLOSS: After the HIM in Cologne I gave myself a month break from training and then decided that enough is enough and I needed to get serious about weightloss. I treated myself to a personal trainer at the gym who does not just work with exercise but also works with the mind. Those 4 weeks with him changed my whole mind setting and attitude. To start with he put me on a 1100 calorie diet (very clean no empty calories) which I told him straight in his face was impossible! I told him I can not work, exercise and NOT kill my husband on 1100 calories a day! He challenged me to it and told me to try and to try to trick my body into believing that for now this amount of calories is enough. In addition he told me to exercise less and limit my workouts to 7-8 hours a week...

Well what I can say..it worked! First week was tough but my body got used to it and I had so much energy it was incredible! During those 8 weeks I lost 30lbs and for 3 of the 8 weeks I did not exercise at all! So I learned that it is 95% about nutrition and nutrition only! Youc an exercise your butt off but if you don't eat right you won't see results! After those 8 weeks I went to the US on vacation for 3 weeks over Christmas and did not think about diet at all, ate a lot of stuff I hadn't eaten in 8 weeks and came back with only a 3lbs gain and I did not even exercise during that time either. I have started on the diet again yesterday and I know these 3lbs will be gone in no time.I know I need to increase the calories a bit when I start to train more and I will do that. I just need to figure out the best balance for me and my body. I have also been wearing a Bodybugg since about 1,5 years so I can track my calories burned and of course I log all my calories that I eat. Thats the only way for me to stay accountable.

I have 40lbs to go to get to my goal weight of 143lbs which I want to be at in May before the TRI Season starts. And for the first time in my life I am confident I can do it!

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I am a very supportive person and I love to be part of a group who motivates each other. This is the first time I am participating in the mentor program and I am really looking forward to get to know you all!

Kathy,

Is there still room? I know I’ll need some additional motivation/guidance as I train for IM Louisville! I’ll post my bio later.

Thanks RJ

Amanda, Patrick and Gwen we welcome you to our group!

So far we have:

Ann; annabananam
Fred; Fred D
Rusty; TankBoy
Kiri; kirih
Pam; pedmpa
Kelly; kaburns1214
Lorna; LornaP
Jennifer; itsallrelative_Maine
Amanda; akboor
Patrick; T1 rider
Gwen; daisymouse
Steffi; Joblin

Looks like we have room for about 3 more

Yes we still have room and look forward to having you be part of our group.

2 more spots

Fred, you have been a great friend to me here on BT since we both decided to sign up for IMLP in '07. I'm glad you decided to join the group.

I hope your 2012 is more fun and positive on many levels.

I just scanned through the pages.  What a great looking group?  Can I play?  If not, I understand.  I don't want to take anyone's spot.  Kathy, I always enjoy reading your posts.  BTW....my name is Tracy.

Rusty, no I didn't get to the pool yet but plan to go today.

I need to work out logistics and go with my husband the first time to see how doable it is without someone with me. I'm a bit afraid of water on the pool deck and locker rooms and slipping while on crutches.

We decided to try closest Y as they have a separate hallway to the pool with some private handicapped bathroom/shower and pool is only about 10-12 feet from that door. They only have ladders to get out though.

The amount of things I can not do easily is amazing but I work at figuring out how to do what I can.

I love that your friends and you still race together so many years later and do destination fun races to meet up with everyone.  IMLP this year with 7 of your friends will be special.  I love the traveling trophy you guys do at races.

Here's my bio:

NAME:  RJ1363/Rhonda aka RJ

STORY:  I’m 48 and I’ve been fairly active my whole life.  I retired in 2010 after serving 25 years in the Army.  I was looking for a new challenge to fill my free time post retirement.  Have a buddy who did IM Louisville in 2010.  This actually inspired me.  I figured if he could do an IM – I could do a HIM.  I was pretty confident I could do the bike and run, but I needed to checkout my swim abilities before I register for a HIM.  How hard could it be, I swam as a kid in a lake for the whole summer.  I signed up at the YMCA so I would have access to the pool.  Next, assess my swim abilities...needless to say, I was humbled as I could only swim 25 meters and was gasping for air.  Now I’m not one to stray from a challenge.  I did my book and online swimming research to assist in figuring the swimming technique out.  I received the basics from my research, but the real credit goes to a master swimmer who gave me coaching tips to correct my form and about everything else that goes with swimming.  After a few months of swim training…I pulled the trigger and registered for the Muncie HIM.  My first tri was at the YMCA (in a controlled environment).  It was actually amazing the lessons I learned from that experience.  Of course, I like to live on the edge and my true first tri in an uncontrolled environment with another 1600 folks was the Muncie HIM.  I knew that I was trained and ready and was amazingly calm for the race.  I had a blast and am now hooked on triathlons and the fitness challenges they provide.  I look forward to this next year of IM training and staying injury free.

FAMILY STATUS:  Married for 26 years with 1 kid (16) and the mother-in –law living with us.  We also have 3 cats, 1 dog, 2 horses, and lots of other wildlife on the farm.  Overall, I’ve got to balance family, training, and mowing the pasture.  

CURRENT TRAINING:  Enjoying the end of the maintenance training.  I will start the focused and dedicated IM training plan on 12 Feb.  I am always appreciative of motivation and improvement feedback.

2011 RACE:  2011 was the first year for doing a triathlon.  I completed the Muncie 70.3 in July. 

2012 RACE:  The only race I'm currently registered for is IM Louisville in August.  I may sign up for the Muncie HIM as a training event…the jury is still out on this.  I know that I’m competitive and don’t want to possibly injure myself at Muncie by being stupid.  My goal is to finish the IM in under 16 hours.

WEIGHTLOSS:  Since retirement…I’ve put on a few pounds.  I want to lose 30 pounds by Aug.  I know with the increased volume of training…the pounds will melt away! 

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTOREE:  I know the value of listening to folks who have already towed the line.  There is a great deal of information that I’ve already gathered and tested from the various BT forums.  I look forward to sharing my experiences and receiving feedback from other members as we continue this triathlon journey. 

RJ