Subject: RE: The couch potato to Ironman challenge!I wasn't on the couch, but was completely anti-cardio for 26 years. I was a wimp all through hich school, and had back surgery 2 days after my 18th birthday. I emerged from the hospital 5' 7", 82 lbs. That is not a typo, 82 lb 18 yr old male. I was always in a strugle to add weight and muscle, so I worked with weights and avoided any serious cardio untill I was 44 and I usually weighed 138 to 144. My peak weight was 148 at two periods, but that was eating raw eggs and protein shakes. I thought that cardio would only make me thiner. A friend from college told me about his sprint tri experience and in Febuary I commited in my mind and started training. I eliminated 80% of my weight training and eliminated any weight work with my legs, and added 8 to 10 sessions of S/B/R a week. I don't own a pair of scales, but was at a house in about July and jumped on thier scales. 146, I had actually gained weight. I was amazed at how I had retained muscle, even added significant muscle to my legs with no freeweight work. Did my first sprint in August at 45, then felt even more motivated to train. I have an IM in the back of mind, but figured I would work hard this winter inside, then evaluate things in the Spring when I can get outside to see what my S/B/R times and distances are. I figure at least an Oly, and half mary for 2010, but maybe a HIM. Edited by NorthernNewbie 2009-12-31 9:41 AM
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