left.right.repeat group -closed - Full of a bunch of winners...YEAH! (Page 215)

Name:  Left.right.repeat aka Bryan

Story:  This is my fifth year as a mentor.  My group will be a little different from many of them on here and I want to explain how.  I have a couple of folks from my first group, a couple from my second group, several from my third year and some from the 4th year.  Then we will be adding those of you who might be interested.  The group is male and female, evenly divided, from Canada and Boston to Louisiana and Texas.  All middle aged (don't tell them I said that)....my 50 year mid life crisis in 2009 was my first Ironman (chronicled in the book - You Are An Ironman) - I finished IM Arizona in November 2009 and 2011.  Two of our 2010 members did IM Louisville and one of our other members completed IM Arizona in 2010 but don't let that intimidate you...several just did their first sprint in 2008, 2009 or 2010.  We are a welcoming group that is looking to add some new blood and excitement.  Join this group and benefit from several wicked smart mentors.  If you are looking for experienced Ironman finishers in your group, we may be for you - OR - If you are just starting in the sport, we are a fun welcoming group evenly divided between men and women and we are ALL a lot of fun.  FYI, there are female IM finishers and male IM finishers - we don't discriminate.

Family: Married with an adult daughter

Current Training/2012 Races:  Half Marathon, Olympic triathlon, Half Ironman, Ironman and other epic endurance events.

2010 Races:  Disney half marathon, America's Run half, Texas Independence Relay (203 miles), CapTexTri, Austin Triathlon, LiveStrong Challenge, Tour de Cure, Ironman Florida and a few others.

2011 Races - Austin Half Marathon, Tour de Cure, CapTexTri, Make a Wish Ride, Toyota US Open Triathlon, Ironman Arizona.

Weightloss: 40 pounds in less than 36 months - keeping it off

What makes me a good mentor:  The other people in the group....LOL....we have fun.  Seriously, we have history.  Once you are in the group and we close it, we will move you all to our base group where there are over 260 pages of posts equalling over 4000 messages which you will want to read....there's history in there and a TON of answers to your questions.

So, fire away, all questions are appropriate and will be answered....come join us....tell me who you are and why you want to join our team.

Bryan

I'd love to join!

I'll write more later. Knowing mav, she has shared how much support and fun she has with this group.

Hi Bryan,

I'm 47 and got interested in triathlon after reading "You are an Ironman".  I was a pretty good competitive swimmer through age groups and high school, but really haven't swum the last 30 years.  I've been doing weight training for three years, and ran 10-12 mi/wk up until last summer, when I started doing 35 mi/wk.  Of course I came down with a stress fracture in November after such a quick bump up in miles.  I've started back to running in the past week, and would like to be smarter about it this time. 

My goals are to do the Cincinnati Marathon on 5/6/2011, do several sprint triathlons over the summer and maybe finish with an oly tri.  Then in 2013 move up to oly's and a HIM.  The ultimate goal would be to do an IM sometime in 2014.  As a total newcomer to Tri's I'd love to join the group, as I'm going to need alot of advice.

John

Bryan,

Yea, so...I'm in. Sorta have to be after "left.right.repeat". It represents the challenge that I have and the culmination of getting there. I am eager to tri and I am a pure beginner to the sport. I am formerly a swimmer and a fairly good runner, thanks to the military. I am currently active duty Army, and have been in for over ten years. My goal, although I am new, is an IM. I am willing to work for the goals and look forward to the added motivation and great mentoring you can provide. Thanks in advance.

Cabana Dan

Hi Bryan,

I would love to join your group esp since I just read You are an Ironman!

Started triathlon last year, did a sprint and an international distance, was sufficiently bitten by the bug and am now signed up for the Rhode Island 70.3.  I will mail a bio later.

Pam

Originally the plan was a bric work out with the camp I am doing over the winter.  But, (you know the best laid plans and all that) my sitter overslept, and I can't make it on time.  Will bike 60 mins on the trainer while the kids are sleeping and then do a 20 minute run sometime later today.

Have a great run!

Good morning!  May I join your group?  

I am completely new to the site and to the sport. This Tuesday I decided to do a sprint.  I have been swimming and strength training on and off for about 6 months.   I followed the first week of the 2x balanced 16 week sprint training program and did okay.

Starting point:  I'm 40 years old, female, lawyer, mom of 1, 197 lbs. (just under my heaviest weight ever, but I've lost 10 pounds in the last month). I feel like my endurance is very good when I keep my heart rate around 155-160.

Backstory: I finished the Susan Komen 3-day a few years ago, and before the birth of my daughter (7 years ago) I finished some kind of long bike ride - probably a 60 mile not a century - so I have some hope that I can finish a training program and a sprint.  But I've never competed in anything before. 

I tend to overthink things. 

I have a supportive family and figure I can train up to 10 hours a week, but I don't want to rely just on what my husband is going to tell me.  He has done a triathalon, half marathons, climbs mountains, rides motorcycles, etc. and does not beleive much in moderation, pace, celebrating small steps, or rest. I respond to praise and tend to get discouraged easily. I'm looking for a group to encourage and motivate me.

Suzie

Yes, "Left. Right. Repeat." sounds like a cure for thinking.  Love it.

NAME: KathyG/Kathy

STORY:After losing weight the previous 1.5 years, I did my first tri in 2004 to prove to myself I had changed. My first tri I was full of fear. Over time my fitness improved, I became faster and in time slowly did longer tris. I find triathlon teaches me a lot about myself if I allow it to and can be great tool for personal growth. I race to challenge myself and help me keep focused in my training. Since 2004 I have done races about 50 of all distances including 4 IMs, participated in 3 other Iron distance races as biker in relay and done 2 IM aquabikes. I'm passionate about triathlons and the positives it brings both to my life and the lives of those I know.

I love to ride. I have quite a few bikes and enjoy racing cyclocross.

I see triathlon can be a amazing journey to self discovery if you allow it to be. The pleasure and joy I get out of s/b/r is amazing and life changing.

FAMILY STATUS: Married with 5 kids (13-22) & I turned 50 2 months ago

CURRENT TRAINING: With surgery 12/5, I'm in recovery phase. I will be on crutches 2-3 more weeks and was just given okay to swim easy. In 6 weeks I may be able to start working on fitness and getting back to more normal training.

I have worked with coaches since 2005. I do best when I have someone put together my plan with my input of what workouts fit best on what days and just follow the plan.  I like the technical aspect of tri training and have used a power meter since 2006.

PT, ROM cycling and easy swimming are my focus currently.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: 2011 had many obstacles. I gave up running in May as pain it caused my knee was effecting my day to day life. I did a few sprint as relay member as biker or swim/biker with my husband and daughters. I also did HIM AB in June, Oly AB in August and IM AB in September. I had registered to do both IMLP and IMFL to coordinate with turning 50 as IMFL would have been my 5th IM and was the day after my 50th birthday. I withdrew from IMLP but did participate in IMFL planning on walking the run if knee held up. My orthopedic surgeon was okay with the plan and I scheduled major surgery the following month.  I was able to finish the race and knee handled it okay. I had my leg realigned so that my weight would be on the part of my knee that has good cartilage as I have 3 bone on bone places. I had both TTO and HTO surgery both on my tibia so I had part of my tibia cut off and realigned to avoid patella pain and about 3-4" below knee joint tibia was cut almost through and wedge of 8.5 mm was made with plate and screws.

2012 RACES:  Once recovered from surgery, hope to get back to normal training. The only race I'm registered for is IMFL in November which I realize that my participation is a big question mark. If recovery and training goes well I hope to do some aquabikes prefer IM and HIM distance as well as some relays with my family. I may be able to start running but need to limit how much I do in order to avoid knee replacement as long as possible.

WEIGHTLOSS: Since 2003 I have lost and maintained big weight loss. I have lost up to 98 pounds and during off season tend to gain back 10-18 pounds. For me exercise that I enjoy is key to maintaining my weight.

OK, so here is my story, just turned 47, am a female physician working in the Medical Device Industry in a start up company.

I started training for tris in May after watching the finish line of St Anthony's in St Pete.  I was told that I could do this.  I used to be a competitive volleyball player, swam and ran as a kid, and being from Belgium I did not get a car till into my twenties as we biked everywhere.  I have to say what I remembered from my swimming days and my first swim after a serious gap of 20+ (maybe it was 30+ for swimming laps) years was eye-opening and swimming is not like biking...  That was a slightly ruder awakening than what I had hoped.  Luckily adding in biking training was a little easier.

I had been jogging for a few years as a way of keeping sane during a long drawn out divorce.  My GP recommended Prozac (or equivalent) but anti-depressive drugs are not an option for me.  (How are you supposed to know you are happy when you do not go thru the sad phases)  So I jogged a few times a week, until a friend told me we should do the Rock&Roll Nashville half marathon in 2009.  So I upped my mileage without any plan or moderation and promptly ran myself to double meniscus surgery in April of 09.  First week back to sports (labor day weekend 2009), I thought I should diversify and played tennis for the first time in 19 years, and ruptured my achilles tendon.     

2 years later I am happy to say I am back to normal.   After training for a few months, I did a sprint followed by an international distance.  And then (logically?) I signed up for the Rhode Island 70.3, I am doing the race together with my triathlete boyfriend which will be a ton of fun, I think  He is doing IMFL (his first IM), so I might volunteer there and if I survive the year without any injuries, the plan is to sign up for IMFL 2013.

Rhode Island was the only HIM that fit into my parenting plan (2 youngish kids)  and professional travel schedule.  I work from home (FL) which is great and travel to Europe every last week of the month.  That week I slow down because it is a trade off between sleeping or working out and being jet lagged sleep often wins.  While I try to get in 2-3 work outs running or or on the hotel's stationary bike, I have not tried finding pools to swim while traveling.

Because I have never actually ran a half marathon, I signed up for the ST Pete Half Mary on 12 Feb and am using a plan to monitor mileage, so far so good!  I also signed up for a winter tri camp locally.  My 26 week HIM plan starts Monday.  I am excited to be part of this group.  Sorry for the drawn-out bio...

Thanks for having me!

Pam

The 3 day has so much motivation.  What a party. For a week after I would walk down the street and be sort of put out that no one was cheering for me or handing me a sticker.  I had to fight the urge to dance across intersections.   I imagine a sprint tri is not exactly the same atmosphere.

Which brings me to some Newbie thoughts: Today was my first official "rest day" and I spent half of it thinking about the 20 minutes of running tomorrow.  I think I can, I think I can!  Does it still count if I break it up in to 4 minute intervals, with 2 minute walk breaks?  Will I get to the finish line of a sprint in 4 months if this is where I am now? I have absolutely no worries about the swim or bike, but the running is, um, not pretty. I like to jog but I don't like to wheeze or overheat, so I don't get my heart rate over 170. So I'm aiming to shuffle in at dead last and breathing easy (hey at the Komen 3 day when you are last you get to raise the flag!), but I would like to finish before they shut out the lights.  What is the cutoff time, generally, for each event? Somebody stop me before I think some more. 

Briana - anyone who made me feel like a rock star in AZ certainly is welcome and OF COURSE I remember you....haha....every one of you.....you are in.  What Hot Chocolate run are you doing?  Also, are you going to do CapTexTri in May?  You seem to do alot in Austin...

Pam - no worries on never running a marathon.  I know numerous Ironman finishers who have never run an open marathon...welcome...you will be fine...I want you to go to jeffgalloway.com and read his stuff on running injury free.  I use the run/walk method and will be recommending it to all of you here....work through it and let me know what you think.

Suzie - here is how I want you to do your run....don't worry about cutoffs...many races don't even have them...so there...now I want you to google "danskin triathlon" and see if there is one near you....they pay their national spokeswoman to finish last so NO ONE in the event finishes last...how cool it would be to finish with a pro triathlete....Also - for your run tomorrow quit worrying...let me do that....I want you to go out...walk 3-5 minutes to warm up....then run ONE minute...and walk ONE minute....run ONE MINUTE and walk ONE MINUTE....you will cover 20 minutes in no time....and you will want to run further....DON'T....do a 3-5 minute walking cool down and congratulate yourself on the ground you have covered....today = worry === TOMORROW = ROCK STAR.

Tanya - no one is monitoring the number of groups you are in so if you want to be part of the BEST - hehe...that's us....you are welcome....it may get confusing keeping up with two but I am game if you are....try them both for a week or so....see where you fit best and then you will know where you belong.  We set our own limits on members so you are not taking anyone's spot.  Tell me about the EPIC....by the way - I am glad you liked the book it was a very rewarding project.

You guys have re-energized me....I ran in a 15k yesterday Bold in the Cold....it was my first run of any distance since Ironman Arizona....I am ready for the 2012 season....bring it!!!

What do you see as your challenges? (be forewarned - I will poo poo EVERY one of them - there are NO challenges bigger than you if you want to be bigger - anybody want to quit yet? ((not really an option)))).....happy Sunday afternoon  

fat2tri - sorry I missed this one....welcome aboard...check out jeffgalloway.com - I want you to strongly consider the run/walk method....it is a great way to get into running....I have run every distance from one block to a full marathon using the run/walk method and have completed every race I have started....it is perfect for those of us with some medical issues to control heart rate...I assume you have doc's blessing on this exercise game, right?  We want to keep you healthy and make you healthier.

That goes for all of you....if you haven't seen your doctor (or one who is an athlete which is my preference), you should share with them what you are doing....if they disapprove...find a new doctor.....from multiple medications for middle age executive issues to NO medication for 4 years...I am proof this works - you just have to be smart about doing it....I worked my way off blood pressure medication over 4 months....almost passed out a few times because my natural pressure had dropped and the meds were making it too low....be smart...see a doc (who approves of what you are doing) and BRING IT!!!

irishod = great workout...what college?

^{Thanks, Bryan.  My son attends Northern Kentucky U.  Congrats on the 15 k yesterday.  Up here in Cinci, there are no races I know of scheduled until mid March.  Fear of the weather, although it's sunny and 55 degrees out right now!}

I did it! Treadmill:Warmup walk 3mph for 5 minutes, 5 intervals of 4 mintues run/2 minutes walk.  6 minutes cooldown walk.  Max HR on the last interval was 170-ish.  Recovery after 2 minutes walk 120 on each interval.  Foccussed on being light on my heels and high in the knees for the running.  Only hated the last 30 seconds.  ?YAY!

Tomorrow I'm doing a swim/bike combo.  The two easiest for me.

Did a 9 mile run today, then I'll be lowering the mileage of my long runs until the race Feb 12.  I have not done a formal run/walk program but have always walked when it felt better to do so.  I may look a little closer to that program again because after the ordeals of surgery over the last few years I do not want to go there again.   Once I have completed 1/2 marathon (finishing being my main goal) , its back on my tri schedule including the swimming which I had been ignoring for the past 2 months.    

So excited, finally got fitted for my bike (3 months old but never had time for a decent fit), they did some adjustments.  No more angry cat look for me!  In stead I will now look serene with a nice back.  That is, except for danger of flying water bottles; I cannot seem to get it right when I put my drink bottle back and I have lost a couple that went off like flying torpedoes.  So far no casualties; I am happy to report....

Pam

GEAR!!!  I just stole my husband's wireless heartrate monitor.  Tee hee hee.  Now I'll know how hard I'm working on the bike tomorrow.

Bryan: Absolutely delighted to hear that about Danskin.  A friend recommended that one to me.  But Seattle is closest to me and Danskin comes to Seattle in ... August!  I can't wait that long for the first one.  Looking at Issaquah or Moses lake in early June, rest, and then Danskin.

fat2tri: Keep posting, you are probably my best match here.

If it's not too late, I would like to join this group!

Background: I'm 44 years old, married with two girls, 7 & 9. I have been a recreational cyclist off and on for the last 10+ years. In past years, I used cycling as a motivation to "get in shape", as I have yo-yo'ed weight +/- 25 lbs from my current weight. My passion is mountain biking, but living in Savannah GA limits the "mountain" biking options, so I eventually turned to road cycling. I've done some road centuries and some mountain bike metric centuries (in North GA) in recent years. I've had a fascination with triathlons for years but never serious considered doing one until last year. I did a sprint tri last spring, and planned to do a oly or half later in the year, but my August 2011 training was poor. I then spent Sept and Oct focusing on training for the Savannah R&R Marathon.  I got sick the week before, and pretty much just survived it!

Current Training Status: After "surviving" the R&R marathon and swearing never to run again in my like, I was extremely slack for November and December with my training. I'm just now getting back to it - last week I ran 13 miles, biked 15, and did a little strength training. I only swam a couple of times in the past month. I am trying to build some volume at present.

2012 Races: I'm registered already for the SAV R&R Marathon in November, planning on doing the HITS Sprint in Ocala, FL in March, the Turtle Crawl Oly in Jekyll Island GA in May, and hopefully, if I'm ready, the Augusta, GA 70.3.

Weight Loss: Hope to drop another 20 lbs before the 70.3.

Thanks,

Robbie

Hi all.  My name is Rick.  Hoping the group is still open.

Like many here, trying to regain some health and fitness via Triathlon. 

Background:  Originally a Kiwi (flightless bird, not the brown furry fruit) from New Zealand, but have
sprouted wings and have lived in Hong Kong for the last 13 years.  Have done several, Olympic and Sprint Tri’s in the past.  I used to say 25 years and 25 KGS (50+ LBS) ago.  That is no longer quite true, as I have managed to lose 15 KGS (30+ LBS) in the last 9 months.  Currently, 48 years old and
around 86 KGS (190 LBS).  Hoping to get down to around the 78 to 80 KGS or 172 to 177 LBS.  Sorry for all the metrics.

Recent Training:  Yet to get back in the pool.  Have completed a running goal of 100 MILES in 28 days. A couple of 100 KM (60 Mile) rides. Training is currently inconsistent. Need to add some Pilates, yoga or weights to build up some more strength.  Need to get smarter with nutrition. 

The Goal:  A Half Ironman (Taiwan 70.3) in November 2012. I think I can manage that.  As I turn 50 in April 2013, I had considered a full IM around that time.  Not sure if I can manage that one.  Time will tell.

Thanks

RICK

I am thinking of doing the Hot Chocolate run in Dallas.  It will be tricky though.  My daughter plays club volleyball and has a tournament in Dallas that weekend.  We don't know yet where she will be playing or what hotel we will be at, nor do we know game times.  Won't know game times until Wednesday or Thursday of that week.  But, I'm thinking of signing up anyway.  Worse case is I miss the early morning games.  I think I can make it work.

I live just north of Austin, so yes I do a lot in Austin.  Not sure about the CapTexTri, but I remember you saying the author of the book was planning on doing it.  We'll see how it fits in the schedule.

My biggest challenge will be getting in long outdoor rides this spring between volleyball and soccer.  I will be out of town a lot and as a female, don't feel comfortable riding in strange areas by myself.  May have to take the trainer to these tournaments and ride inside the hotel room.

Is there still room for a newbie?  If so I'd love to join!  My story:  I joined a mentor group last year and used the experience to finish my first sprint race in August.  I made a million mistakes in my training and in the race but I finished and beat my goal time by a whole 90 seconds!  Can you say squeak?  But I had a lot of fun and made giant strides in improving my health along the way.  I have three goals for this year, to train for a very difficult Oly at the end of June (if I'm not ready for the Oly I'll still do the race but as a sprint), to redo the sprint race from last year and crush my time from last year, and to continue improving my health.

I'm 42, male, married with two sons (9 and 13), the 13 year old says he wants to do the second race with me by the way.  Right now I'm nursing some kind of injury in my right foot.  It's getting better with rest and soon I'll be back on the dreadmill trying to get my stride back so I can start training for June.  So, if there's still room can I be in the club?  Thanks, Dan.

Is there a spot open for an absolute, complete and starting today newbie?

Thanks Krazytallchick!  I amazed myself.

Made it in just under the wire!  Sweet.  But that seems to be getting to be a habit with me, not good.  The answer to what scares me depends on the race, for my June race I'm concerned about the swim as it's open water and quite a bit longer than my swim last year, even if I do it as a Sprint.  For my August race I'm worried about the bike.  The course is HILLY, which I was warned about, but I wasn't ready for what it turned out to be and my butt got kicked big time.  I had nothing left for the run, and I mean nothing.  After the ride the TA volunteers yelled at me to make sure I don't run in the TA, I laughed.  If I could have made even decent time on the run I would have done great.  But I was gassed.  So I need to work on my swim for my first race, and I really need to work on my bike for my second race.  The runs don't worry me because I figure if I can get to them in good order I'll gut my way through it OK.  I just have to get there with something left in the tank.

All of that said, I need accountability to keep my training on schedule, and help learning how to actually run my race so I can in fact RUN on the RUN.  That might be nice, to run the run.  And now that I'm in a group and have to answer for my sloth like ways I'm scheduling a trip to the dreadmill tonight.  See, you all are good for me already. 

Dan.

Hi everyone, glad to make it in.  I suspect we'll get to know each well in the next few months.  I look forward to that.  

What I am most afraid of:

1/ hills (I now live in Florida, the bridge is all the incline I get and I have yet to do it with my bike), The Rhode Island race is a bit/a lot? hillier than here so I am worried for both for the bike and the run

2/ drinking on my bike (have to slow down to a crawl and still manage to lose an occasional bottle) plus then the risk of leaking during the run if I drink too much (too much information, I am sure)

3/ being tired (jet lagged) or not being recovered enough from previous workout and still needing to work out, I can talk myself out of training really easy.  "If I am that tired surely my body is trying to tell me something etc. "  Like Dan I feel more accountable already, plus hearing what you all are doing will keep me going.

4/ nutrition:  I cannot stomach any gels, one of my main reasons for working out is to maintain weight (and I love the feeling afterwards I have to admit, sometimes even during the run I really like the feeling), still have this sense I will gain if I start eating now while exercising.   

Oh, was there a limit to our obstacles?  I could actually keep going for a while

Pam

Thanks for letting me in before you closed.

I am 43, male, previous(long time ago) athlete.  Been saying I was going to do this for years and never pulled the trigger.

Want to get in shape, lose some weight and feel good.. not necessarily in that order!

Biggest fear is maintaining the drive/training!

Will be attempting my first Sprint sometime between May and August depending upon how this all works out.

Looking forward to changing my lifestyle and lots of good advice and support

Monte

I totally forgot to say my name, and the computer ate the post I tried to do last night, whoops.I'm Maria, and I'm in Chicago. I have a doctor's appointment Wednesday. In the past she's always advocated exercise for me to drop weight, but I've never had anyone check my heart or anything so we'll see.

Suzie, yeah, it's nice having another totally new person.. but way to go on the 4 minutes of running! I can't do that yet.

Yesterday I did 8 intervals of running 1 minute and walking 1.5. Excited to lengthen that time. I really enjoyed looking at Jeff Galloway's site... I think the walk breaks are exactly what I need to make this manageable, and it's comforting knowing that I don't have to run the whole time.

I'm most nervous about overheating honestly. Chicago in August can be nice or extremely hot, and I don't sweat a ton.. I mostly just overheat. We'll see how training progresses once the summer hits, hopefully I'll acclimate.

My fears............

1.  Swim - 

fresh water - reading about people getting stung by jelly fish....so getting stung by jelly fish

Can I handle the distance of 2.4 when I am ready to tackle the IM.

2.  Bike - this is probably my weakest as I don't feel like I ride as fast as I should.  Have lots of questions about the aero bars and can one get away with a road bike on the IM or should I get a tri bike?  I am also known to fall while clicking in and out of my bike.  Fear of doing that race day.

3. Run - running out of juice 

4.  Overheating - I use to overheat a lot.  Last year I was able to manage the training in the heat and had no issue, hoping I can continue.

5. Nutrient - I have no clue what I should be eating or drinking during the race.

I think that is a good start.

RE: "Yesterday I did 8 intervals of running 1 minute and walking 1.5. Excited to lengthen that time. I really enjoyed looking at Jeff Galloway's site... I think the walk breaks are exactly what I need to make this manageable, and it's comforting knowing that I don't have to run the whole time."

FABULOUS!

Thanks for including me in your group!  I hope I will be able to contribute.

Significant Fears:

1. Myself - specifically, sticking with the plan: nutrition and training.

2. Injury and/or illness, especially as an event approaches.

Minor Fears, by sport:

1. Swim - My speed. There isn't much difference in my speed whether I'm trying to go fast or just trying to conserve energy and swim slow.  I'm sure this is due to poor technique and inexperience. I've been around water my entire life, but only last year started swim training, and it was limited. The closest indoor pool to my house or work is 45 minutes, so this makes things tough. 

2. Bike - Pain in my neck - literally! I have cervical disc problems that flare up from time to time. Quite often, on long rides I can hardly turn my head to look back.

3. Run - As someone else said - fatigue. Also, being able to build up the distance without having injuries.

Thanks,

Robbie

I am not entirely sure what to be afraid of the most at this point as my "training" officially started today. ( I have a Dr's appointment tomorrow to let him know my intentions and have started today to modify my horrendous diet) 

Each individual event doesn't scare me, but have no basis for what they do as a whole.

I am worried that i will need to drop 20-30 pounds in the beginning so that my body can take the abuse of running.

I am concerned about the only bike I have is a not expensive mountain bike.

Having not chosen a training plan yet there is anxiety in what will fit/challenge but not burn me out

I will look extremely funny in a speedo/tight fitting swimwear...

I love beer!

Did have a good first day in general I guess.  I ate more fruit than I usually do in almost a month, nothing fried, no ranch dressing and no beer.  Walked for 30 minutes and am going to swim and bike in the morning.

Fear?  Injury affecting training and tagetted race.  Currently not training due a back injury.  Pinged it twice in the last couple of weeks.  Wanting to get back on bike, but Physio not recommending it!  I guess there is always the pool.

I have to admit I read the book and is even more psyched about doing an IM more then ever.  

Three more fears to add, okay they really are not fears but questions.

1.  Picking the right IM race to do.  Each one has their pros and cons.  Wanting to find that one that works with my strengths.

2.  Finding the time to get a workout in.  I travel for me job and I have no clue how to get the training in.  Completed HIM last year and I somehow manage to avoid traveling so that I could get my training in which really was not an option.

3.  Does one need a tri bike or should we get our road bikes fitted for aero bars?

Finding ways to work out while traveling is also a big one for me.  I am about to leave 12 days for work.  Just even fitting everything in my suitcase is hard, I do not check luggage...  I have not even tried swimming, but running and biking works out if I can book hotels with gyms which is not always possible.   This time, I will just have to wash workout clothes in the shower which is hard if you are in a different hotel almost every night, how can they even dry?  I normally only go for 6 consecutive nights so that the laundry is not as much of an issue.

And keeping on track with healthy nutrition in general if a lot revolves around dinners with business partners.  I have started bringing my own breakfast, snacks, and replacement meals taking up even more high-priced real estate in my bag.  Not easy! 

Any tips?

Looks like I have some homework a.k.a a book to read..

I feel the pain on the travel issue.  Have a good gym with indoor pool 2 miles from house, but know I won't have a pool while travelling.  Good thing most do have elipticals, treadmills and stationary bikes.

Like fat2tri, I am going to tri and listen to my body.. when it says stop..I hope I have the sense to stop.

Decided to do the Michael Pate 22 week program. (any thoughts here?)  On day 3 and feel like I am underachieving.  However, knowing me, if I don't have a routine/program, I will be more likely to fail, and if i follow it all the way I should be ready for a Sprint by May/June right??

Anyhoo.. no new fears...

Looking at trying to do 2 to 4 sprints around Georgia between May and September. (Goal)

Monte

Here's the good word for the day:  I disolved a killer headache yesterday in time for my workout.  Good, no?  I did a little poking around on the free information in the ether out there, and it could just be overerxertion in general and not heat, paired with low blood sugar.  And here's what set me up for the doozie yesterday, I think.  I was in a rush to cram in a run on Sunday (that one I was so proud of) and did it on a banana and  a donut middle and two cups of coffee - at noon.  Brilliant.  From there, I just never rehydrated or refueled enough.  So here's what I did.  I ate.  Yep, I ate my way out of a migrane.  Nearly puked, but just kept forcing in a hundred  or so calories and a glass of water every half hour and in 3 hours: no headache.  Good as new.  Ran 16 minutes after that (and drank some Hammer Recoverite immediately - usually I don't get to it for about an hour). So I think I have to make sure I'm super-hydrated and adequately fueled before the workout.  If I start hydrating during the workout, I'm already behind.

Way to fix your own problem!  I've never had a migrane, but I can tell a difference in my workouts when I am not properly hydrated or fueled.  When I did my first IM, someone at work commented that I was "always eating".  Guess my body knew what it needed.

First week of the easy training under the belt tomorrow... Have cheated just a little on the swimming.(a bit more than the schedule and walked a bit longer than the 20 mins)

Noticed today that it was all a bit harder.. maybe not enough sleep or calories.. will try to get more shut eye.

Did play 3 sets of doubles Friday night and 3 today, so that was bit of extra exercise.

Thinking about buying a road bike so i don't have to do the "planned" races on my mountain bike and i can start getting some outdoor time.  Any advice here??  They sure are pricey and I am a bit scared of used. (eb/craigs)

Goooo team...

Ok Brian.  I registered for the Hot Chocolate 15k this morning.  Still not sure exactly how I'll make it work as we won't know volleyball schedules until the week before, but somehow, someway, I'm planning on being there.  

Did I mention that I am directionally challenged and hate driving in downtown or strange places?  I think we'll be either in the Frisco or Carrollton area from what I can tell from the tournament site.  Hopefully it will be easy to get to the race start.  

Great questions from all of you.  I will add names in front of answers but please read them all - many of you asked the same questions.  Let's start with a couple of rules.....YOU MUST CHECK IN HERE AND POST (actually at the other page, the link will be in my next post).  Several of you talked about acocuntability and here is where it starts. 

We have several new folks - 14 actually - and you can look to your right and your left and at least ONE of those people won't be here in a year.  Will that be YOU?  I hope not.  You will find the friendships forged in a short time are meaningful.  There are few people out there who are attempting what you are and you need to shares successes and challenges.

Here goes:

John - you (and others) were worried about the bike.  So here are the facts...you get faster by riding faster...you get more comfortable from time in the saddle...you can also get as much work in 90 minutes as you can in 120-150 minutes if you do it right...this is not a lolly-gagging ride...if you only have an hour - go to spin class and trash yourself....don't let yourself slide...if it is a crazy up/down/jump spin teacher...ignore them and replicate an outside ride WITH A LOT OF HILLS...work it.  Spin class can be a GREAT way to get rides in....I train a LOT in spin class...sometimes riding as the instructor says, sometimes as the instructor in my head says....if you or any of you want some "fun" spin workouts let me know and I will give you some...be prepared...we will rock.

Pam - you learn to drink on the bike by drinking on the bike.  One bottle on the down tube...reach down (don't look) take it out of the rack and then put it back in...keep pedalling if you can...then when that is more comfortable (OH - practice in an empty parking lot - out in the middle...veering is not as dangerous....school parking lots on Saturday/Sunday is usually good) pull you hand out with the bottle at a slight upward angle, turn your head to the side - do NOT sit up and put the bottle right in front of you...with head to the side, squirt and swallow....you will get it or you will get wet....do this riding a straight line.  Good practice for this is drinking in spin class just as you would on YOUR BIKE....don't sit up, towel off, eat a hot dog, unscrew the cap on the bottle of water and gulp....USE A BIKE BOTTLE...head turned to side and squirt....in the mouth or the ear, you will get it....HILLS - the way to get better in the hills is to ride hills....if all you have is a bridge then climb the hill, turn around, come down, climb again, turn around, come down, climb again, repeat as necessary.  Spin class is another good place for hills....go for it....crank the knob to the right....quarter turn, 20 seconds, quarter turn, 20 seconds, quarter turn, 20 seconds and keep going for 5 minutes....good luck. Nutrition and sleep are below.

Suzie - cutoffs - only an issue in HIM and IM...very few sprints and Olympics have time limits that I know of....We will work on specific pacing as we get closer if yours has a limit....we will get you there....or puke trying....HA!  Fatigue in run - EVERYONE IS TIRED ON THE RUN...see here - not everyone does this....why? Cause it is freaking hard.  Therefore, if it is hard, it's going to be challenging....brain training is very very very valuable....and we WILL own our brain.  That said, you should all be running at least some on the run or we have paced your race too hard on the bike...in the words of the smart people "there is no such thing as a great bike followed by a suck run"....the only great bike is followed by a reasonable run.  Overheating - I think this may be at least partially hydration - here is what I want you all to do.  Monitor your water consumption for three days....then let's talk.

Swim distance - while I know right now distances seem like - "I will float up three days from now if I try to swim that far"....no biggie...we will fish you out....no really, swimming is technique.  Get that ... swimming is technique....find a decent swim coach and take a COUPLE of lessons, you don't need 15 lessons to get through a sprint....take a lesson, work on it for 4-6 workouts, take another lesson, and get after it.  This is money well spent....the first key is to get out of the water with a reasonable heart rate....I know I know....and yes you can....YES YOU CAN.  My first swim workout was 37.5 yards....and I KNEW I was going to die.  If 25 meters/yards is the longest you have swam non-stop, here is what I want you to do, when you touch the wall, push off and swim ONE MORE STROKE...that's it - then stand up and walk to the wall and recover....guess what is coming next, yep - two strokes, then after a few of those, three strokes....then you just keep going....this is how you prove to yourself you can swim further.  Our brain does really weird things to us in a sensory deprivation environment....don't worry about it....I sing to myself in the water, or talk or yell at my employees...whatever, I check out and let the water take away the problems...by the way, this works if your max is 50, 100, 300, 1000 or whatever....get used to hearing SHUT UP AND SWIM.

Did I mention that you need to check in here and post often?  MY PROMISE - you will get out of this group a BILLION times more than you put in but you must put in and be here to receive it....come on...this is play!!!

Briana - cold water - two swim caps - regular ones may work but you might need a neoprene cap (practice with this and BodyGlide your neck - or you will look like you have been on a date with an aggressive 17 year old....)  Also, depending on the temp you can wear booties or diving socks...buy some and practice in them to see if they help and feel okay...this year you could wear them.  also, ear plugs (I use the plunger style - I don't like the wax ones as I am afraid I will leave a piece in there and it will bug me all day)...if you keep your eardrum warm, you stay warmer...again practice with the.

RULE ONE - NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY.  NOTHING.  PERIOD.  NOTHING.  EVER.  GOT IT?

RULE TWO - NEVER FORGET RULE ONE.

Briana - long bike rides - these can be tough, especially safety wise for you ladies.  First, safety is number one.  in Austin you can ride with Jack and Adams or Mellow Johnnys or any number of bike shop rides...I love Jack and Adams - bought my first tri bike there - Jack is a great guy and very supportive.  So ride in a organized LBS ride.  Or - I really like to ride organized rally/rides like Tour de Cure, Waco Wild West Ride (great training ride in September for IMAZ), Make a Wish Ride, Fiesta Wildflower (in San Antonio), etc....there are a TON of great rides and websites to find them....plus, someone else carries the water.

Tanya - swim....see answer above....take a couple of lessons spread out by practice.  You are going to pick up one or two things each lesson....here are a couple of tips that are general in nature but usually apply to most newer swimmers. 1.  Look straight down at the bottom of the pool....don't hold your head up...point it down.  2.  Rotate - think, belly button at the side of the pool...the rotation is your propulsion - NOT your arms.  3.  Reach - Reach - Reach - this WILL make you rotate....REACH.  4.  head rotates with chin following shoulder at about 90 degrees and take a quick gulp of air and get that head back down.  4.  Think about your weight in your armpit...your most buoyant part is your lungs, with them full of air, no wonder your feet sink....you gotta get more weight in front of your lungs....point your head at the bottom of the pool...actually your eyes should be looking straight down...not ahead....

SWIM resource - go to www.totalimmersion.net   watch the free videos and learn balance...you got it....SHUT UP AND SWIM

Maria - overheating - I still think this is a hydration issue.  Monitor your water intake for a day - and other fluids as well.  If you are working out for one hour or less, take water, over an hour you will need calories too...more on that later.  Also, to cool off, water on your head....and hands - carrying ice in your palms is good in a race....I have even seen people wear white gloves and put ice in them at each aid station.

Robbie - repeat after me....I will not quit....I will not let these people down....we monitor finish lines....and finally and most importantly - I WILL NOT DISAPPOINT MYSELF.... you got it...what is the REAL number one reason you are doing this....dig deep....this is important.....Please private message me if you would rather not put it out here.  INJURIES - unfortunately a fact of our game...many of them however, are a result of too much, too far, too fast and/or old shoes....HOW OLD ARE YOUR RUNNING SHOES?  I know they are expensive people but doctor bills are more and the reality again is that this is not a cheap sport to get started...sorry but that is how it is - some things (bikes) can be borrowed or a reasonable substitute used...not so with running shoes....AND DON'T GO TO A MASS RETAILER...go to a local running store...take in your old running shoes...tell them honestly what you are doing...how much you will run....then, they should have you walk and run for them and then should bring out several shoes....try them ALL on...I don't care about the color....wait for it.... I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE COLOR....get the right shoes....if the store you are in is not full of running flyers, tri flyers, people talking about running and pronation and suppination or if they don't watch you run in the shoes....RUN AWAY FROM THIS STORE....NOW....GO!!!  I know you may be tempted to go to Dick's or Academy and save three dollars but at first at least (and then you will continue because I will have brainwashed you) go to a specialty running store...do not be afraid to ask the salesperson what their running experience is....I don't want a non-running part time flute player (nothing against the flute) fitting me...I want a runner.  Period. 

INJURIES - when injured go to the doc - if they don't give you the right answer, find another doc.  Seriously, I found a marathon/triathlon doc so he/she (its a partnership) gets it...I am going to obsess and I am going to train so let's get that straight...I will pool run if I have too but not running/riding/swimming is really not an option after 48 hours...that's just me...I have a friend who lives for injuries, just for the rest....crazy.

Robbie - neck - shoulders on the bike...more time on the bike...no more than an hour (and 30-45 minutes is fine at first)....two - three times per week...your neck and shoulders will adjust, ASSUMING YOUR BIKE IS FIT PROPERLY.  Take it to your LBS and let them look at you sitting on it...or if you want, spend some more money and get a professional fit....these can be pricey.

Rick - take care of your back...I got into this from a L4-L5/L5-S1 herniation...I didn't want surgery and my back still bugs me from time to time....I know what I can get away with but you have to be careful....you will probably love this but plan on 10-20 minutes of stretching EVERY DAY after you workout (not before - I don't stretch cold muscles...I stretch warm ones).

Dan - hills on the bike....ride hills...you will get better...I promise....I loved your answer....you also included the OWS (open water swim) and the run....great....your challenge is the entire tri...made me laugh....OK....open water swim....same technique as in the pool....same molecular structure as the water in the pool (H2O), same wetness in the water...you just can't see the black line on the bottom....hey it's there, you just can't see it...let it be said here....I WOULD MUCH RATHER SWIM OPEN WATER THAN IN A POOL ANY ANY ANY DAY ANY ANY ANY TIME ANY ANY ANY DISTANCE....there is something about getting in a rhythm and the wall not getting in the way that just makes it awesome....the jostling at the start....most sprint/Olys and even HIMs start in waves...you can find a spot....look for it...we will talk more in strategy later....I actually look forward to and embrace the contact...at an IM you know you are alive and you know you are not alone....OWS is where it's at...you will agree I am sure....many techniques/strategies...anxiety attacks do happen but I don't think you all will have a problem,...

What's rule one?  All together -- "nothing new on race day"       ---    Right now go tell your spouse/SO of rule one...I don't want them buying you a new tri top for your first race - you know the rule...but Bryan won't know....and domestic harmony is worth a ton....and he/she is just trying to support and be involved...it will be OK....and then your ARMPITS are absoutely ground beef by the end of the swim and then you sweat on the bike and then slide your arms back and forth with every stride on the run....considering 800-1000 steps per mile....well you calculate it and God Bless You...

NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY ---  I am pausing so you can tell him/her right now.....no seriously...RIGHT NOW....this is not a time to say "I will do it later...."  NO - GO - RIGHT NOW>

Road bike vs tri bike - simple - either - if you don't own either, borrow or buy a road bike...if you don't know if you will like this, don't just buy a tri bike....road bikes are more social...they are better for group rides like the MS150....you will want to do one of those too...trust me.  If you only have a mountain bike...do your first sprint on it if you can't borrow a road bike...just get it done and see if you like it...hey - you will even see bikes with baskets so no worries...just go do it and don't over stress...I would rather you get new running shoes and ride a mountain bike.  Oh - and don't wear your running shoes to the mall to walk around...what are they "RUNNING SHOES"  therefore we RUN in them...if you want to discuss this more or if you want specific questions answered let me know....by the way, some bike shops will even rent you a road bike...check into it.

Clipless pedals - an interesting name since you are footcuffed to the frame of your bike...you need them....AT SOME POINT....practice with your bike on a trainer or in spin class.....practice clipping out when riding for no reason....make it easy....YOU WILL AT SOME POINT FALL OVER AND THERE WILL BE PEOPLE WATCHING....I was riding the Tour de Missions a few years ago - queing up in a downtown street...small Texas town...I was on my bad to the bone tri bike...and was toward the front of the ride...a photographer with one of those humongous lenses is firing pic after pic of me....looking sooooo cool I roll up....ease to a stop....and fall over....and he is firing away....and away....and away....YES I WAS ON THE FRONT PAGE OF THEIR PAPER....laying in the street...practice in a parking lot....practice more....clip out the same side every time....your balance matters....I am right handed but I clip out with my left foot every time....oh, and always shift to an easy gear before your get to the stop sign...it makes it much easier to one foot pedal as you can't get your other one clipped back in....don't worry...the scrapes heal....much faster than your ego.

Nutrition - wow...this could be a book....150-200 calories an hour in any event over one hour....in other words...you don't need 7 gels for a sprint....and you will see this....trust me...err on the smaller intake of calories....150-200 may be a bit high for some of you on the petite side....I take almost all of my nutrition through a drink - Infinit Nutrition - google it.  I will use a gel ever now and then....for a change of pace...my favorite - Hammer gel - Apple Cinnamon - tastes just like apple pie.  I also use salt tablets when necessary (HOT).  With infinit you can dial in your nutrition, it is a custom blend...about the same price as most...their recovery drink is good as well.  Workouts an hour or less - water is fine...over one hour - you need calories....think about this...if your gas gauge shows you have an hour of driving left do you try to go driving for three hours????  Nope, or your car bonks.  So will you.....at some point.  I ALWAYS run with water...even a three mile run....water....yep....I live in Texas - today is in the 70s.

Travelling and working out - running shoes and shorts don't take up much room...sorry about the shoes....run on the treadmill if required but as a dude if I am in a safe place I explore by run.  I ask at the hotel for running routes...most have them...I also ask for the cool things to see and how far they are away...and then go see them...it's a great way to see a city....you can also do plyometrics in your room....hey...you can plank in the nude for thirty minutes - one minute at a time and then go shower....keep the door locked and no clothes required...no excuses....and come on - almost EVERY hotel has some kind of gym.  There is also a pool finder website...I will have to try to find it...it is for every city in the US almost.

Wow..  that was a bombshell of information and support... Thanks!!

Fun day here, as I followed my impulsive instincts and hunted down a used road bike.. which I bought this afternoon at lunch.... Very happy and looking forward to getting on the road... Know almost nothing about bikes except what i have read in the last week or so, but think I did pretty good without going crazy.. (C'dale Caad5 R2000si, ultegra) older, used.. but think it will be good training/first bike.

Now.. to go tell the significant other...Then... to practice that clipping thing!!!!

Monte

The right IM is a great question....answer...whichever one you can get in....every IM has it's advantages....FL is flat...but that means aero for 6-8 hours...locked in -- pedalling all the way...no coasting...Texas - hot...some chip seal roads....some rollers...but a great multi loop run through a packed shopping area....many fans....but the swim is a bit congested at the start....AZ...multi loop spectator friendly course...can get repetitive....and the run is almost all concrete...and there is a hill on the run...so they all have issues....oh and wind can be worse than hills...and in AZ in 2010 it hailed on the bike course....in Wis in 08 or 09 it sleeted....Lake Placid 2 or 3 years ago it rained all day in the 50s....last year FL was in the 40s with winds up to 30mph....and the fact is 140.6 miles is just effing hard....that's why it's called Ironman.....you get in one that is convenient to you and your supporters and family....preferably a course you might be able to ride (I never have) and one that you think you would enjoy...if you have friends doing it....hey....cool...it's a party....you might even see them on the course.....

I am planning on being in AZ this Nov to support a few folks racing - including Briana - and will be signing up for IMAZ 2013....come on out....we will recon the course....party....and sign up for next year....rock n roll.....we will also volunteer.....another request....you should volunteer at least once a year at a race of some sort.  I want you to realize, this doesn't happen without volunteers....once a year...volunteer.

Here's the link....go here and play....live long and prosper....

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=100380&posts=5359#M3993467

This will be one of my FINAL posts here.  I will sweep this site from time to time but please go to the new link and say hi....they are waiting for you there....

if you have questions PM me.

Bryan

OH, that link will take you to page 268....we may have moved to 269 pages by the time you get there...just advance to 269 on the Go To list.....

Also, read the history as you have time...great reading.