fully out of the weight room and it feels goooood

Just some opinions from someone who spent 10 years doing 4X week weight training, then switched to running, then tris working up to full Ironman.  (though I never hit 300 on the bench)

First off, weight training is a proven method of physical fitness.  You will most likely be the most balanced physically if you stick to weight training and add some cardio.  I am 50 and as you age, hanging on to muscle mass and strength becomes a real factor in being able to do things as  you get older.

If you have the time, like a pro, you can be in IM condition and still be a balanced athlete.  For me however this was not the case.  The training load for swim, bike,and run plus other life responsibilities meant I had to let the gym go early on in IM training.  Because of this and the amount of training hours I put in, I lost 18 lbs or so leading up to my IM.  After the IM, I did not feel invincible or "super fit".  I mostly felt tired, burned out, and weak(other than IM fitness).

So, now I am back in the gym weight training and I have gained back 12 lbs so far and I feel fantastic.  No cardio right now, but I will start swimming at the first of the year.

At 21, your body will respond differently than at 50 most likely.  Somewhere around 30, I too decided that I want to be thin, healthy and in good cardio condition.  After all, if you don't have a strong heart, what good are big, defined pecs and triceps! I just am going to strive for balance now.  I will stay in the gym, and I will swim, bike and run.  But most likely nothing longer than Oly distance and maybe a HIM once a year will be in my short term future.

Just remember, above all else, KEEP MOVING! 

If you don't want to lift weights to gain bulk then that's no biggy.  Sounds like your done with that.  However, you might want to consider keeping some short 30 min or so 2x's a week functional strength training in your plan.  This will help you balance out your muscles and although not guarantee you not to have an injury it will help prevent any muscle imbalance type injuries.  Functional strength moves, with or without weights, shouldn't add any bulk to you at all.

Awesome advice for the entire post but this select bit hits the nail on the head.  I suppose in between training for Tri's, I can get back in the weight room.  While I'm on the 20-week HIM program there is really no way I can.

I actually hate getting back in to the weight room after a hiatus and not being as strong as I used to but I guess I'll just have to suck it up when the time comes.  About the weight--I'm 6'2" and 195-200lbs (195 now) with about 8% body fat.  I'm really excited to see what weight I end up at.

Even though it is still meat headed, I kind of want big muscles in addition to the health and cardio shape.  The swimming is making me look good for now (and my girlfriend agrees!) but I don't want a runners body as it's not a good look for me.  I guess at the end of my HIM I'll have to see if/when my next one is, and then take it from there.

Sound like a good approach? 

What are some functional strength training things you know of?  I've been doing biweekly yoga (switching to weekly) to try and prevent injuries. 

Actually, if your doing yoga you got it covered IMO.  Many of the best functional strength exercises are with body weight alone and in yoga (depending on what your doing really) you really get some strength workout with the stretching and you get a pretty good bang for you buck. 

But:

• Pushing: pushups, dips
• Pulling: pull ups, inverted rows
• Power: squats
• Explosiveness: plyometrics, burpees

Awesome advice for the entire post but this select bit hits the nail on the head.  I suppose in between training for Tri's, I can get back in the weight room.  While I'm on the 20-week HIM program there is really no way I can.

I actually hate getting back in to the weight room after a hiatus and not being as strong as I used to but I guess I'll just have to suck it up when the time comes.  About the weight--I'm 6'2" and 195-200lbs (195 now) with about 8% body fat.  I'm really excited to see what weight I end up at.

Even though it is still meat headed, I kind of want big muscles in addition to the health and cardio shape.  The swimming is making me look good for now (and my girlfriend agrees!) but I don't want a runners body as it's not a good look for me.  I guess at the end of my HIM I'll have to see if/when my next one is, and then take it from there.

Sound like a good approach?