Hello from Rochester MN

I am new to the tri world and am finding it to be a fun and exciting adventure thus far.  I have been a yo-yo fitness freak for most of my life.  Mostly in the gym weight training, but at times biking to work 7 mi each way and running 3-4 times a week.  This was years ago.  I never liked the idea of long distances running or riding.  But a triathlon?  That sounds cool!  A viceral test of a human being to endure three all-out challenges to get to a finish line.  I had always had an attraction to the idea.  Then I heard my hometown was going to have their first annual Rochesterfest Triathlon this year (Rochester, MN).  And I learned their are sprint distances (something I can achieve in short order!)  Plus I am a sucker for anything "first annual", I don't know why...

So, February 2008 I put down the beer and got off the couch, signed back up at my favorite fitness center at 220 lbs. and went to work.  I started with weight training (to build a bigger furnace to burn off the fat - and cuz that's what I knew), slowly added some cardio, and then alot of things happened...  I got up to a slow 3 mile run and decided I should do the Winter Be Gone Duathlon (sprint) in April.  Plus it was a "first annual" event - I had to do it.  It was a great event, cold, but fun.  Temp at starting was in the 30's!  I learned two main things at this event, I needed a new bike, my 12 yr old Schwinn Mesa mountain bike wasn't going to cut it if I ever wanted to be competitive in the bike split.  And I needed to get serious about training.  The second run was a beatch!

So it's now 4 months since I got off the couch, I am 189 lbs (31 lbs lost) and am in a weekly tri prep class led by some experienced locals that have been quite helpful.  I am working on getting up to a non-stop 400 meter freestyle before the goal race at the end of June (4 weeks or less to go!)  I may have to throw in some easier strokes to rest up, but at least I am confident that I won't drown!  Just started swimming 6 weeks ago with no experience since the standard swimming lessons as a kid and occasional recreational trips to a pool or beach...  My running is getting faster and distances are getting easier, my bike AVS is 2 mph better than my duathlon pace, due to a new Trek tri bike, and the last 15 mins of my last ride I was at 18 AVS, which would be another 2 mph improvement if it carries over to my next ride (keep your fingers crossed).  Gotta love early stages when hard work really pays big! 

Well, enough rambling, if you read all this, thanks, and you should probably get back to work now!  LOL  I am really looking forward to continuing this new adventure...Sure beats the couch!  But the beer, that's another story, I imagine there will still be a couple of those consumed along the way.  Take care and feel free to say hi, especially if you're a local to MN or WI.  -ZeusMN