Where were you one year ago? (Page 3)

One year ago...just getting started...

                                              August 2005                July 2006

Plus I was about 18lbs heavier, had never swam more than a few hundred yards, and never biked more than 12miles.

Reading these, IM SO PROUD OF ALL OF US!

Wow.  This really puts it into perspective for me:

                                      July 2005               July 2006

Random Stats:

Last year at this time, I was preparing for my very first triathlon, the Danskin Sprint in Mass.  I was so nervous and though I felt only mildly prepared, I felt tremendously supported by my newly-found Beginner Triathlete friends.  I had a really, really old bike, and ran a bit slower than I do now.  I had a lot less confidence about myself and my abilities.  My next race is will be my second International length.  Boy, it has been a great year!

This thread is a great reminder of my accomplishments, and comes at a time when I need a motivation boost.  How karmic. 

Last year I went to the gym so I wasn't out of shape. In May I decided that I'm going to start with triathlon training. I planned to join a club, but first I wanted to get in a better shape so I started with marathon training. That was a mistake because I was doing to much to soon, so I ended up injured and had to cancel marathon. This year I've done 3 sprint triathlons, 1 olimpic distance and 1 sprint duathlon. My 4. zone pace back then was over 5 min/km, and now I run easy runs on that pace. I could hardly swim faster than 2 min/100m, and now I can swim 1500 m in 25 min (pace 1:40 min/km). Last year I haven't biked at all and since March this year I've biked around 3000 km. I've done my first Olimpic distance tri in 2:07 h. Since winter my running was reduced to minimum because of the injuries, but I'm constantly improving. Who knows where can I be this time next year, I just hope I don't get injured again. 

I wasn't EVEN close to being a triathlete! 

This time last year I was "training" for marathon number 6, and managed to injure my ankle which put a quick stop to that race.  I loved Marathon, but was extremely slow for the number I had done. (Typically in the top 60-65%)  Self image as an athlete was non-existant.

Started Triathlon Training September 30th, 2005 (1 day before I should have been running a marathon) and was way overweight!  Basic Statistics: 210 lbs, couldn't swim more than 50 yards without stopping to rest, an EXCELLENT run was in the 9:00/mile range over 5k, and I hadn't ridden my bike in at least 2 years!

Fast forward to today, Weight: 180, Swim-2:10/100 yds over 1600 yards non-stop, 5k pace is 7:20/miles, Bike is about 20 mph/20 miles, have completed 7 sprint distance triathlons, taking 1st place is AG once, and consistently placing in the top 25% overall.   Next Saturday I'll run my very first Olympic Distance triathlon.    Most importantly, my self image as an athlete is real.  For the first time in my 46 years, I call myself an athlete!  That's probably the biggest thing for me -- I am an Athlete, and I am a TRIATHLETE! 

BT has been an INTEGRAL part of my progress as a triathlete!  Couldn't have done it without BT.  Have made some wonderful friends here who constantly encourage and motivate!  Thanks everyone -- and JUST KEEP TRI ing!

One year ago.....

• I had never heard of any tri's at a distance other than Ironman
• Did not own a bike (I rode less than 20 miles in the past 8 years)
• had not run since 1993 (I was happy then since I hated running)
• had not done any real swimming since 1984 or 85
• was at least 20 pounds heavier if not 30

Today....

• I like to run (first time in my life)
• I have run a 5k
• I own and ride two bikes
• I swim, not well but I swim

Next year.....

• I am on the hook for Buffalo Springs Lake Ironman 70.3 for 2007