Hello, I found this site quite by accident while looking for a tri to attempt that was close to my home. I found one here on Vancouver Island in Parksville. It is for strictly first and second timers- called: My First Tri. It is a 400M ocean swim, 20K bike and 5K run. With what I have learned from the wonderful people on this site, I know that I can be ready to enter this event for August. I started out in Jan 2002, 41 years old, over weight and depressed. Over last year I lost 20 pounds and started walking/jogging and entered a 5K fun run in Sept. Since then I have found exercise to be the ticket for fighting the depression, while is also helping me lose more weight, now down 40 pounds. I cried when I watched the last Hawaiian Iron Man event on TV. Deep down I know that I wanted to be "one of them". Could I be??? I can honestly tell you and myself that YES I can and will be. Baby steps first!!! I love to run, I bike OK, but scared to go too fast on the hills, and I swim with little confidence. But, I can do all three. I find it amazing that this new "goal" is so motivating and soul satisfying. Some days are hard, but every day is a step, roll and stroke towards the finish line. I thank everyone from this site who posts, as you are all inspirational and wonderful people. I don't think I would be sending in my registration for "My First Tri 2004", if it weren't for you.
Thanks,
Dolly
We tend to think of our psychological state as separate from our physical state but the truth is that nutrition and exercise are just as linked to mood and mental health as to fitness and physical health. You are on to something now. Keep it up.
Welcome to the site. Congratulations on the weight loss. I read on your other thread about the 4 legged critters in your area. Sounds dangerous but cool. You also live in bigfoot country!! Ever see one. Good luck on your training, It sounds if you are well on your way there.
Everyone, Yes I believe in Bigfoot. In fact I have a friend That was born in Idaho who saw it when she was little girl. Even had he picture in the paper with a plaster cast of a footprint.
Welcome to the group Dolly. The hardest part is getting started, awesome progress on your fitness goals and your well on your way to completing your first tri. I've grown to love the tough days, while your there it sucks but when your done and you have hit yet another new accomplishment, YOU FEEL GREAT. Baby steps are the way to, keep with it and you will get there. Go for it!
Hang in Dolly - you've already cracked the motivation piece and this is the greatest place to join with other folks who are crazy for this sport, or crazy because of it, or maybe just crazy - but this crazy is way better than the couch - ay?