esc's Goonies Never Say Die mentor group - closed

Hi Emily, would you mind if I joined your mentor group?

NAME: Clyde

STORY: 43 years old with a very distant athletic past and a very present waistline battle. I used to do a lot of running and have done some cycling recently as a hobby but nothing too serious. Got tricked into signing up for a tri last year but pulled out as I could not get my swimming act together. new year, new enthusiasm however so I am looking to do two sprints this year. One in June and One in August.

FAMILY STATUS: married with a fantastic 4yr old.

CURRENT TRAINING: None - Itching to start once the possible hurricane thats been blowing all week calms down (N. Ireland weather!)

HOPES & FEARS: That this will help give me the drive to push forward and complete the first Tri - and that I don't drown in the attempt.

Hi, Clyde!  Glad to have you!

It sounds like you've already picked out some goal races for the upcoming year.  And it sounds like, currently, your biggest hurdle is the swim.  Do you have someone in your area that might be able to give you a little one-on-one swimming help?  Learning proper technique makes such a difference.

As for the bike and run it's a matter of picking out a plan and sticking to it.  If you've been away from running for awhile you might take a look at the couch to 5K programs on BT:

Consevative plan: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=27
Aggressive plan: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=26

You have quite a while until your first sprint.  I'm sure we can get you all trained up and to the start line!

A perfect summary.

I have been focusing on technique already as my upper body strength is not going to win me any medals. Breathing in particular was a problem (fairly important right?) but I have made some progress thankfully.

I have been looking around locally and found the town has a local tri-group who have swimming training during the week so I might give that a go.

Joining a tri club is a great way to meet experienced triathletes and make new friends.  They also know where to get all the best deal on gear and the best local shops for bike service. 

But be careful.  Hang around with too many triathletes and you'll find yourself signing up for crazy races!  Case in point, I'm signed up for a winter trail half-mary.  I actually said, "That sounds like fun!" when other club folks were talking about it.  Did I mention it's at night?  I'm going to wear lots of glow sticks so when I'm lying, broken, on the ground I'll be easy to spot.

Ability is something you have. Potential is something someone thinks you have. Display your ability.  Don’t let others decide what you can do.

This popped up on my twitter stream today.  It fit well with an essay by Susan Lacke that I had read just a few days ago.

The Only Thing Stopping You Is You

January is goal setting time.  What big dreams are you dreaming this year?

I would be interested in joining your group also.  Just before my 38th birthday while sitting at a bar with my friend I asked him if he would be doing something that doesn't make a damn bit of sense and do Tough Mudder.  He said it sounded great and we continued our evening.  The next day I remembered somewhere in that haze asking him about it and told him he had committed to doing it with me and now we had no choice but to finish.  This is coming from the 2+ pack a day smoker + average 5 drinks a day guy who lived on a convenience store diet.  We set up a few things to prepare but didn't know much of what we were doing, I had ran cross country in high school and been in the military...other than that not much in the last 17 years or so.  I quit smoking and have taken it as seriously as I can, people keep wanting to join us on this and we are now up to a group of about 30 that join us in workouts and follow what we do.  I current focus is Tough Mudder next month, a 50 mile relay in March then...well...we're not sure.  One of the people that joined us wants to do an Ironman and I would love to try.  I don't own a bike, can barely swim and can't run a marathon so I think it sounds great!  I have somehow become the inspirational force behind much of this and I want to continue to push this, I want to learn about bikes ( I have many friends that are riders), I have a friend who was a swim coach to help me and the running is to the point I'm pretty damn close to where I know I could finish a marathon.  You seemed like a good match, I apparently work well when I know others count on me and I think this would be a good motivator for me.  Goals for this year are 2 Tough Mudders, 50 mile relay, 1/2 Ironman in September and whatever assorted things that sound interesting and fit in my schedule.  I'd love to be along for the ride to learn and ask questions!

Welcome, Nicole and csbenson!

I'm working all day today but when I get home I'll read through your posts and take a look at your logs.  In the meantime, I think a great way to get started with the group is to think about goals for the upcoming season.  Mike Ricci wrote a good article about goal setting - and it's right here on BT. 

It sounds like everyone has some goal races but I've found it helpful to have some more specific goals to help get me to race day.  When I get a chance this evening I'll post my goals.  If you've already got something specific that you're working towards, post it to the thead.  If you need some help coming up with goals just let me know and we'll work through it.

Have a great day everyone!  And if you're lucky enough to be enjoying some football this afternoon - have a beer for me, would ya?!  I could use a drink.

Hello Emily-

I would be interested in joining your group...if there is still room.  Not gonna lie...group name drew me in.  Love it.  Of course, then I read your profile info and I think I'll fit right in...

About Me: I am 34 years old, married to a super guy and do not have any children.  I was a team sport athlete through undergrad and then after working in the "real world" I began running.  I completed many 5Ks, 10Ks, and 1/2s.  I competed for about 10 years (post-undergrad).  After quitting my job to head back to for my Master's and currently my PhD - I've found I have completely given up a regular exercising and training schedule.  It's now been almost 6 years.  Occasionally I would get a "running" spurt only to get bored after about 3 weeks.  Of course, the weight started to come on - as I still liked my red wine and pasta.  I now live in a place that is extremely bike friendly and abundant with freshwater lakes.  A close friend of mine tried out "triathlons" and seems fairly addicted.  She completed the Cozumel Ford Ironman in November.  My husband and I joined she and her husband for the trip as a vacation - little did I know I'd become mesmerized by the sport of triathlon.  Now, here I am.  I started a "couch to sprint" training program Dec. 15th and so far - I'm loving it.  However, I find I have lots of little technical questions...so that's why I'm here!

I completed Tri the Lake in Heber Springs, AR in October.  It was really just to see if I could still bike and run after such a hiatus.  I didn't really train (I was not a swimmer, but my tri-friend convinced me that since many people didn't swim the whole 500 yds that I could breaststroke my way through it.  Since I really didn't know how to freestyle, I did hit the pool about a dozen times, so I wouldn't drown).  Anyway, I completed it...in horrible time, but I was just so thrilled to be doing it, I really didn't care.  My tri-friend was horrified at my long, slow transitions.  I was just trying to finish and figure it all out!  So, I have a very beginner's knowledge of the "triathlon".

My goals this year:  In late May I would like to COMPLETE the Memphis in May Oly.  Then, I'd like to shoot for a half tri mid-to-late summer.  I'd like to complete a 1/2 ironman race before the year is over.  I do have a long term goal of completing a full ironman...I'm thinking its a late 2013 goal.  Maybe return to Cozumel...at least I know the island routes!

I am a swimming novice, but have been following a beginner swimmer program and had two sessions with a swim coach to teach me "how to swim".  I'm up to 1200 yds per training session right now.  I'm biking about 15-19 miles on my training sessions (and just purchased an indoor trainer).  Most interesting to me...my running is terrible - I can barely run 3 miles.  I'm not sure if its because I just got so bored with it or if its because of the weight I've gained.  Guessing its a little of both.  Think a running partner may help with this...I find I'm not willing to push myself in the run training.  No problem to bike an extra 5 miles or swim another 300 yds...but ask me to tack on 1/2 mile more and I'm like - yeah, whatever...not doing that today. 

So, there you have it.  I'm ready to be committed and accountable!

Thanks for mentoring!

Tammy

Hello Emily,

My name is Jamie and I will be 39 in 2 days. I became interested in triathlons last July after watching the race in Kuna on TV last July. I was so smitten by the whole thing I begin my training the 2 days later.  I have a somewhat athletic background to include 4 years in the Marines which not only showed how to get in be in shape but also taught me that whatever you think your physical limits are, you are probably wrong. Anyway at present I am about 20 lbs over the weight I would like to be but I still exercise fairly regularly and am pretty well consumed by the idea of completing 2 Sprints and 2 Olys this year and shooting for a couple of 70.3 next year. This site helped me tremendously last year but all I did last year was train, or at least what I call training.

I am married (to avoid any confusion I was the groom) and have a 2 and 4 year old.

I am starting the 20 week Olympic 3x balanced TODAY. Mostly need work on the swim.

I don't have any specific races planned yet as I am still hesitating for fear I will not be able to complete the swim because I struggle so much. Ideally I would like to do my first race in April. And also weigh around 165 at that time too.

I hope I have included all the information you need. Hope to hear from you soon. Looking forward to some guidance from a real person instead of just browing this site everyday, great as it is.

Hello,

My Name is Steve.  I am a 48 year old male (aka Steve) in Southern California.  I have never attempted a tri but want that to be my goal in 2012.  2011 was to become a DiveMaster(did that)

Part of the divemaster program is a complete Stress test on the ole ticker.. heart and lungs are good to train. 

Needless to say, I am looking for anyone to train with, mentor me in training and in some way I can help others as we (newbies) train.

I currently Run a few nights a week (4 miles) so I know I need to grow there.  I ride to work a few days a week, but no where near the miles I need.  Swimming is just my scuba. 

So I need help, regiment and people to share my training with.  I am looking forward to this.  No goals (races) set yet but would like to do a sprint by late spring/early summer.

Nice to meet you all, hope to talk with you all more.

Steve,

Aliso Viejo, CA

Wondering if you have room for one more???

NAME: Annemarie (amm777)

STORY: I am 34 years old want to complete a tri.  I grew up a competitive swimmer untill I got into late high school/college.  I started smoking and parting, leading me away from the active lifestyle.  After college I got a job and settled down not doing much with my life. I had a life "moment" last year and began running in September.  In October I quit smoking. But now I am now finding running boring and need to try something new.  I love biking and swimming is natural for me so I thought a Tri would be a perfect fit for me.    

FAMILY STATUS: Married to my Husband for almost 12 years and we have two wonderful children (son 5, daughter 8) They all keep me busy! Plus working full time.

CURRENT TRAINING: I’m currently just running two/three times a week. Twice a week I run with a group. But lacking the motivation to get out there any more than that.  Winter weather doesn't help either.   

THIS YEAR'S RACES: In November 2011 I ran the Road2Hope 5km (35:10) not the time I wanted but okay with it.

2012 RACES:  In March I'm doing Race around the Bay 5km and plan on a tri sometime in the summer.  I may put a couple more 5km races in there somewhere.

WEIGHTLOSS: Wouldn't hurt to lose a few..........about 20 lbs. 

Good afternoon, Goonies.  And welcome to our newest member, Annemarie.

We've got lots of triathlon newcomers in the group and it looks like most everyone is new to the Beginner Triathlete (BT) website as well.  Let's get the group rolling with a few simple things:

1. Training logs - the training log feature is one of my favorite things about BT.  Even as a non-paying member the logs have lots of great features.  It's a simple way to record your workouts and any notes you want to make about what you did for the day.  There are some simple graphing functions that let you take a look at your training volume over the course of the year or month or week.  The training log also lets you set up a friends list so you can easily click to take a look at other users logs.  There are a few articles that deal with setting up your training log and logging workouts.  Clicky clicky.  Finally, keeping an accurate log lets me offer up better advice when you ask questions.  It's easier to see how to help someone get where the want to go when I can more accurately see where they're starting from.

2. The Friends list - like I mentioned above you can add links to other users logs in your training log.  The details of how to do so are in the link I gave.  So far, the user names for everyone in the group are as follows:

amm777
clydehunt
csbenson
endurance4777
Tambo1221
Jamhuff
soincali
esc

3. Inspires - when you look at your training log you'll see a little link that says "inspire me".  This allows you to leave a little message on someone else's training log - like a virtural high 5.  It's a great way to help build some accountability and comradery within the group.  Sometimes, knowing that someone else is out there looking at your log, can help give you a push to get out the door for a workout on a rough day.  If you have a little free time, head over to other group members training logs and take some time to leave an inspire or just say hi.

Alright...I'll stop babbling for now if you all promise to start using your logs!

OK...i'm going to babble just a little bit more.

Being from Indiana and being a Purdue Boilermaker fan I can't help but be a John Wooden fan.  For those that don't know about him, he was a great basketball player for Purdue and went on to be a great basketball coach at UCLA.  You can google "John Wooden quotes" and come up with a huge list but this is one of my favorites.

If you're not making mistakes then you're not doing anything.  I'm positive that a doer makes mistakes.

Part of participating in triathlon is that sometimes you get it all wrong - you don't train properly for a race or you get to a race well trained but don't execute your race plan.  In the moment, it might be a bitter pill to swallow.  But in the long run, each failure teaches a valuable lesson.  You got out there and did something that most of the world will never even attempt.  Don't let failure drag you down.  Learn from it and move on to the next fight.

I'll wrap up with a non-inspirational quote from everyone's favorite chubbie Goonie, Chunk:

Everything. OK! I'll talk! In third grade, I cheated on my history exam. In fourth grade, I stole my uncle Max's toupee and I glued it on my face when I was Moses in my Hebrew School play. In fifth grade, I knocked my sister Edie down the stairs and I blamed it on the dog... When my mom sent me to the summer camp for fat kids and then they served lunch I got nuts and I pigged out and they kicked me out... But the worst thing I ever done - I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life.