Shepherd's mentor group - Full up!

Hello, is there room for me? I was in the January Mentor program and liked the connections with other beginners.  Now that the weather is starting to turn, I want to ramp up my workouts.

I've never done a triathlon before. I come from a non-sports background, but have been running for about 6 years. Started a swim class in January and still struggle with that.

Looking for some guidance and support, motivation, etc. What do you say? Can I play with you guys?

Hi Kristen and Jenni! Welcome! You both already are using the logs here - so hooray!

 Kristen - I used to hate running too. Steady progress and trying to get in a good mindset when I go out on a run really has helped me. As it gets easier, I enjoy it more. Looks like you're doing better than I am on pace though! Keep it up! Have you done an open water swim before? I'm glad that you're going ahead and practicing - a lot of people can do wonderfully in the pool but have panic attacks when they get into open water. Just try to remember - all of the swimmers will scare the fish and other creatures away from the course. The wetsuit should also give you some confidence. As for the bike - some bike shorts or tri shorts will definitely make your rides more comfortable!

Jenni - It seems you're the opposite - you're a runner! You've definitely found a good group for motivation - you can play with us. Do you have a first race scheduled yet?

What do you two have planned for this weekend?  

Hi Kate,

I'd like to join your group. This is my third time training for a tri. Third time's a charm, right? I want to actually do one this time. Being part of your group would be a real help.

I'm late 40s, about 45 lbs. overweight, and not an athlete. I can swim, I'm not up to a half mile in the pool yet, more like a quarter mile, part of that backstroke. I can walk/run--working on running the three miles. This is the only leg I really feel comfortable with. The bike is a problem--I really hate speed and going downhill and I'm still puzzled about gears.

However, I'm determined.

It's so nice of you to volunteer to mentor us--and all the other mentors on the board. I keep hearing how friendly the tri community is. It certainly is here on the BT board.

Thanks!

Mary

Hey guys,

Looks like this group is filling in nicely! I however, regret to say I have to bow out (hopefully) gracefully. You all seem so nice and very interesting with such diverse backgrounds! I would love to be part of this group, but I also don't want to steal a spot from another in search of a landing spot.

I wish you all good luck in all your endeavors and I know we will be running into each other again on this site! Go get em guys!! Take care,

Jen

PS: you've got a GREAT mentor!!

Welcome one and all! I'm closing this group at 5 people (well, 6 if we can get Jenni to stay...) so I can give you all the attention you deserve.

AKR18 - Sounds like you're making a good decision and well on the way to being a good role-model for your kids, too. Sometimes friends say discouraging things because they're jealous that you have the drive to do something. I say, way to go! This is one decision you will definitely be happy that you've made. With the bike, you may want to look into getting a different seat - if bike shorts aren't working (and you've given yourself enough time on the bike to get used to the seat that you have). What's your first name, so I can call you by that?

Jo - It sounds like carving out a little time for yourself for training is just what you need! Raising kids is tough work! (especially teenagers - we don't have kids yet, but I do teach high school biology, so I know a little about that age). Are the two races that you want to switch run by the same director/company? If they are, try dropping the race director an e-mail and ask if you can switch to the race that you want to do. Usually the directors are really understanding and will let you do this. If you can, try to volunteer at the race that you're not doing. It's always good to give back, and you can learn a lot just by watching a race happen. Do you keep a training log here on BT? I would love to be able to check your progress and leave you inspires, but I have to be able to see it! :-)

Mary - Third time will be a charm, I know. Do you have a target race in mind for this summer? A little secret (don't tell my current bike) - I used to hate hate hate the bike. I don't know why. When I was a kid, I biked all over creation and loved it. But when I started triathlon, I lived in a really hilly area in Kansas and well, I didn't train enough on the bike, and I hated it (as a result, the really crappy time on the bike for my first race). It's still hard to go on a ride some days - I'd much rather swim or run usually. The good news is that as you put more time into the bike, you will begin to like it more and more. (Because you start to improve). Try starting with flatter terrain (if possible) and then slowly move up to trying downhills (The huge hills in Kansas scared me into a panic attack once). There's no law that says you have to zoom down hills with reckless abandon, use your brakes to keep you at a speed you're comfortable with. As for gears - can you make the bike shift them? If you can, try to find one that feels comfortable to pedal in most of the time. Then when you get tired (or hit a big hill), switch so it feels easier to pedal.

Sharyn - Does the bike have two wheels? Does it get you from point A to point B? (I'm guessing so, because you did ride 9.5 miles yesterday morning). Don't sweat the fact you have a cruiser. You can worry about your bike type after you've done your first race (or first season). Lots of people do their first race on mountain bikes or comfort bikes, so your bike will be just fine. You do need a good pair of running shoes though. I'd suggest finding a running store that does a fit consultation where they look at the mechanics of how you run before fitting you with shoes. If you want an example - Google "Big Peach Running Company" and look at their fitting philosophy. June 2009 is a long way away - do you think you could try a race around August of this year? Originally when I started training for triathlons, I wanted to train for a full year before my first race. People here on BT convinced me that looking into a late-season race would give me a good confidence boost and some practice. They were right! Just some food for thought. I'd also ask that you start recording your workouts in the logs here, so I can help encourage you by leaving inspires.

All - I'm really excited to help you achieve your plans! Let me know if you have any questions - or even - how is training going right now? (I need to hit breakfast/lunch and then get out on the bike myself today - it's been too much of a slacker week) 

Hi folks,

Well, the fact is I'm in this to lose weight too! the tri training gives some structure to my exercise. One pound a week sounds like a great goal.

I worked in the yard yesterday. Today was odds and ends, none of which included exercise. I'll start logging tomorrow.

I look forward to getting to know you all and doing a tri together (virtually, anyway).

Mary

Sharyn, what a great gift! And it was a surprise--having your card declined. I have the same feeling on a treadmill--that I'm going to go flying off. Way too dangerous for me!!

Anne, that is so great about your losing inches. About the 5k, I hear that adrenaline on race day gets a runner over the finish line, even if it's a bit farther than they've run before. Sounds like a fun place--to have it at the zoo.

Kristen, you're a good swimmer. 1075 meters is alot. I look forward to when I can do that much. Good luck on your road race Wednesday.

Jo, I'll keep telling myself this is fun. Good advice. I rode the exercise bike today for 20 minutes while watching a history channel dvd from the library. It definitely made the time go faster.

I hope to get in a swim this evening, but it's not looking good. So maybe tomorrow morning.

Hope your day and your workouts are going well.

Mary