Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2021-12-30 5:11 PM

Welcome to the 2022 edition of the Manatees. Our motto this year is (dooo eeettt) Better Together!  We are all mentors and mentees, which sounds like manatees--hence our name. Some iteration of this group has been going on for enough seasons and we've lost track of what season we are in! All experience levels and goals welcome.

We have soon-to-triathletes, multiple-iron finishers, runners, cyclists and swimming specialists. We range from slow to fast, and beginner to veteran, but most of us are somewhere in the middle of all that. Our training philosophies, gear, objectives and methods are similarly varied. We are very committed to health and to each other. We are an extremely supportive and active group. Inactive Manatees make us sad so please post to this forum frequently.

• Please check in regularly (even to admit you're procrastinating or overwhelmed) and be passionate.
• Keeping up your training log (metrics) and/or training blog (words) be in BT here on BT and opening it to other group members is mandatory. If your devices do not allow you to post in BT, then post a link to where we can see it (Strava, etc.) in your Dashboard. This helps us all connect through messages such as Inspires and PM's, which some of us do on a regular basis. (If you don't know how, we'll help you). We have members that have been here a while and really know how this site works. We are ready and willing to help you navigate through the wealth of resources found on BT and elsewhere.
• We use a variety of other tools, including Strava, to encourage, support, and get to know each other better.

We believe the journey is the reward (handy in pandemic times!), and look forward to having you as a fellow traveler and a friend.

As always, any former Manatees are welcome at any time. To join, please respond to this message and include (or later add) your bio.

Please post a brief bio to the thread to introduce or reintroduce yourself by adding information in the format below and/or whatever you'd like to share.  No bio, no joinee.

NAME: What you're actually called in the real world.

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter, Strava or whatever name/handle you use from any other social media site if you'd like us to follow along.

STORY: Who you are, why you want to do endurance/multisport, any athletic background

FAMILY STATUS: Family situation (single/partnered/family/pets, especially pets)

CURRENT TRAINING: If/how you have been training so far

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: If any have been chosen or are on the possibilities list.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: What do you hope to get out of this?

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: Why do you want to join this group?

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: Hot Runner on 2021-12-30 6:15 PM

NAME: Karen (but I'm not "a Karen"!)

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: I'm on Facebook but it's only accessible by friends for security reasons. Should you be interested in lots of photos of generally wet Northwest scenery, my bikes, and my cats, PM me and I will friend request you.

STORY: I'm an elementary teacher (currently Grades 4 and 5) and long-time endurance athlete. Runner and sometimes swimmer since about age 10. Have always enjoyed biking recreationally but never trained for it until I became a triathlete, even now it is my nemesis!
I got into triathlon in my early 40's while living in Vietnam. Running every day was pretty miserable in the Saigon heat (thus the username!); I was struggling with a lot of niggles, liked the idea of swimming as cross training, and joined a master's swim club with a couple of colleagues. Several of my teammates were into tri and they talked me into my first event, where I was second overall. (In Vietnam and to a lesser extent, SE Asia in general, I was a big fish in a very small pond.) Since then I have done lots of events; my favorite/best distance is probably HIM. I have been to two world championships for that distance. I have completed one full ironman (Malaysia in 2018); no immediate plans to do another!

FAMILY STATUS: Single, live with my 83 year old mom and three fur children, Smudgee, Tomoko (the Vietnamese cats) and Shelby (the Idaho cat).

CURRENT TRAINING: Well...... Basically I have given up the idea of training for any set event. I am just trying to maintain base fitness on the off chance that life ever gets back to some semblance of normal. I'm not currently working with a tri coach because it seems silly if I have no competitive goals. Swimming with a master's group three times a week (usually) as that is the most reliable pool access during hours that work for me. Trying to get in at least two bike/runs per week as well.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: I am making no plans at this point. I lost a LOT of $$ due to races I had to pull out of in 2019 due to injury, and then several events were cancelled or postponed by organizers in 2020 due to Covid. I just don't feel like sinking more money or time into events that might not happen. Mom and I are both vaccinated/boosted but I feel like it's in our best interests to be cautious at this point. If things look better by spring, I may enter Oregon 70.3 and/or some shorter local events. I also have a deferred entry to Crater Lake Marathon in August. We shall see.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: Camaraderie with other triathletes. Eugene is a big running town and has quite a few swimmers and bikers, but oddly no organized tri club. Admitting you're a triathlete tends to get you teased by the single-sport crowd.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: I like to share war stories; I have a lot of experience with endurance sports and can serve as an example of what not to do in many cases.

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: JBacarella on 2021-12-31 12:50 PM

NAME: Jim

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: James Bacarella Twitter @JamesBacarella, Strava: James Bacarella Instagram: jabacarella,

STORY: I've been doing triathlons for 14 years. My first Iron distance was 2016 in Louisville and have races in 6 IM distance races. This started as a I'm in horrible condition and I'm going to die/midlife crisis and has morphed into a favorite past time.

FAMILY STATUS: Married to Michelle (world champion sherpa/social media hype person). 4 kids Maria (Texas attorney) Sophia (Illinois med school) Alex (Michigan grad school) Sam (MSU undergraduate. One dog Sparty, a grand dog and a grand cat.
CURRENT TRAINING: If/how you have been training so far

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: IM Texas, Michigan 70.3, unless I can convince my wife that IM Wisconsin is a good idea.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: I find that I do better if I'm involved in a a triathlon community and normal people don't want to talk about the stuff we talk about. I've also discovered that with aging my nutritional need and the way my body responds haschanged and I find it helpful to bounce stuff off of others.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: I will actively participate in the group, because I will get out of this as much or more than I put in.
-----
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
-Unknown

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: JBacarella on 2021-12-31 12:51 PM

I just rolled 1,000 miles running today , fulfilling the 1,000 miles in 2021 challenge today. I will shoot for the same in 2022.
-----
In a world where you can be anything, be kind.
-Unknown

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2021-12-31 1:05 PM

NAME: Your jmkizer / Janyne

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: Strava (https://www.strava.com/athletes/2586241), Twitter (@jmkizer).  I'm reluctantly on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/jmkizer) but trying to get off. 

STORY: I'm 54, married with one dog, Zoe. We live near Raleigh, NC. I’ve worked at NCSU for 24+ years doing computer support. Most of that time has been working for NC State Extension supporting the offices in our 100 counties.

FAMILY STATUS: Married with one dog.

CURRENT TRAINING: I currently "outseason" block of training. I've been working with Endurance Nation for coaching/training plans for a little over a year. So far so good!

2022 RACES/EVENTS:

This is what I have penciled in on the calendar. I'm not sure what will actually happen. In fact, you may recognize this list of events from last year!

Run Oak Island half marathon in February
Assault on the Carolinas ride in April
BWR Asheville Wafer in June

GOALS
Goals -- have fun! One of my goals for this year is to have more fun with training.

WHAT MAKES ME A GOOD MANATEE: I enjoy supporting my Manatee friends! I have learned a lot from past Manatee groups and I hope to learn from this group as well!

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2021-12-31 1:07 PM

Welcome back, Jim and Karen!

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2021-12-31 1:09 PM

Congratulations! Woo hoo!

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: lisac957 on 2021-12-31 7:01 PM

NAME: Lisa

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook | Instagram | Strava

STORY: Can't believe I've been doing this for 16 years! Started out with an innocent sprint, then it blossomed into every distance imaginable. My lifetime race spreadsheet, since 2006, shows 54 running races (including 19 half marathons, 7 marathons and 2 ultra marathons) and 33 triathlons (including 14 half ironman and 4 ironman finishes) This will be my last year at the 140.6 distance (really REALLY!). After cancer in 2021 my perspective has changed. I still enjoy swim/bike/run and will do it when I feel like it, but my days of long-distance Ironman events are sunsetting (said with deep gratitude for what my body has accomplished).

FAMILY STATUS: Single, no kids, dog mom to sassy sausage Ellie Mae. I live just north of Atlanta, GA.

CURRENT TRAINING: Ramping up for a June Ironman - about a month into my "slow and steady" training plan.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: 
May 22 - Chattanooga 70.3
June 12 - Ironman Des Moines

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: Continue building these amazing friendships!

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: I will always tell you to "Doo Eeeeeet"

Edited by lisac957 2021-12-31 7:03 PM

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: juniperjen on 2022-01-01 2:13 PM

Happy New Year Everyone! 

NAME: Jen Snyder

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: I use most: on Facebook (active with a few groups, etc), Strava, Garmin Connect (jkolstein), and Instagram (juniper_jen176)

STORY: I have also been at it a long time. Started running when i started my first job out of university at a local running shop - found out that I LOVE it and met my now husband in the marathon group and found out all about triathlon. I had to learn to swim as an adult but have managed to get myself through every distance including an ironman pre-kids. Lately i have been keeping fit mostly with Half Marathons but did manage to get in a Half Iron this summer after all the covid cancellations/deferrals and changes. I love living vicariously through others. I love having the support of a group. 

FAMILY STATUS: Married to another triathlete for 10+ years, two kids - Felicity (8) and Logan (4). No current pets BUT we are planning to get a puppy this summer!! I live in Toronto, Canada

CURRENT TRAINING: I am currently training using a heart rate based plan from Another Mother Runner (great podcast) to build up to a March half marathon. primarily running with a little bit of cycling on the trainer and some strength

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: Chilly Half Marathon - March 6, then be the best training support crew to my hubby who is doing 70.3 in July which i think will be his first HIM since 2012 (and he hasn't done a tri since 2015). 2023 will be my on year so i may bring my options to you for input.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES:  Mostly to keep at it and keep finding the fun in it. Whatever it may look like at this hectic stage of life. 

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: Mostly to live vicariously through you all - but to keep up with the sport i love and have a place to talk about this crazy business. 

 

 

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2022-01-01 5:14 PM

Welcome back, Lisa!

Welcome back, Jen!

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: abake on 2022-01-02 4:57 AM

I'm back for 2022, even if I'm not very active on the forum. We're traveling for the next couple of days, so I'll plan to update my bio when we get settled.
-----
Anne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2022-01-02 8:01 AM

Welcome back, Anne!

Safe travels!

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2022-01-02 8:02 AM

Let's plan to get a JoGo underway starting next Monday, the 10th.

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jenstewey on 2022-01-03 8:42 AM

Happy New Year!!

NAME: Jen Stewart

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Instagram, Strava (jenstewey on each, I think)

STORY: I have been doing this for a long time, all distance tris and also enjoy single-event and multi-sport (swim/run, aquabike) events.  I came to triathlon after growing up a diver (swim/dive, not scuba) and then playing soccer on a rec team when I was in my 20's and 30's.  I was in a bike accident last summer (rear ended on a training ride) and still trying to work through my fear of biking on the roads again.

FAMILY STATUS: Single with my 2 rescue pups (5 y/o) Mosley and Sadie who keep me on my toes.

CURRENT TRAINING: I am currently in a couple challenges (step challenge, and winter "get outside" challenge), but not training for anything in particular.  I need to figure out my plans for this year.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: I need to nail this down soon, but hoping to get in a few half marathons.  I was invited to sign up for worlds aquabike, but given the date/location has not been announced, I am not sure.  I'd like to throw at least one olympic triathlon into the mix.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES:  I want to continue to enjoy the lifestyle and get back to biking without fear.  Eventually, I'd like to do a half marathon in each state (or at least half the states).

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: I just got a new personal computer so hopefully I will be able to participate and contribute more now (not allowed to post from work computer)

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2022-01-03 8:50 AM

Welcome back, Jen! I can't wait to hear what events you select!

-----
Janyne

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: marysia83 on 2022-01-03 1:10 PM

Welcome to 2022!!!! This is the year!! haha

NAME: Marysia

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: Marysia Grabowska

STORY: I came from Poland, used to live in Chicago and area, and now in Denver, Colorado. I started running in 2010 after giving a birth to my daughter and becoming a single parent. It was a struggle, as I did not have any family support, it sucked financially (it was THE recession time), and I injured my ankle just couple of weeks before my first half marathon. I returned to running in 2014 when a coworker at my new workplace encouraged me to join her for a 5K. I did both, 5 and 10Ks that year. Next year we decided to try with Sprint Triathlon, and I got more and more into longer distances. In the further years I completed Olympic and HIM triathlon distances, marathon and 50K, and fell in love with long distance trail running. The oonger, the better I feel. I honestly struggle with short runs and 30 minutes training runs daily, but have no problem running a challenging 50K for 10 hours.....
I also do rock climbing and mountain biking, in winter I love snowboarding and just got a pair of cross country skiis from Santa, so that's another way to explore long distance/endurance trainings.

FAMILY STATUS: I am single parent of two kids: 14 yo son Mikolaj and 12 yo daughter Zosia. I have a boyfriend who currently lives in Chicago, but we see each other pretty often. He is also into sports and we are going to traing for a long distance bike ride this year.
I also have a cat Kicia who is at least 10 years old, but acts like a 3 years old.

CURRENT TRAINING: I will start easier in Winter, to build a foundation and training habits. Weekly there will be 3 runs of ~30 mins, 1 bike ride of an hour, at least 1 swim (aiming for two depending on time). On weekends I will have one day XC skiing and one day snowboarding. Once Winter sports season is over, I will have weekends open for longer runs and rides, and I would like to have 2-3 swimming sessions.

THIS YEAR'S RACES/EVENTS: I am planning to do the following:
- trail half marathon
- trail marathon
- Oly and/or HIM triathlon
- long bike ride (possibly 3 days ride in Durango)
- maybe IM relay (swim and run, with my partner doing the bike)
all will depend on summer plans and vacations, and how that will place in the training plan.

GOALS/OBJECTIVES/DESIRES: Consistency! After few years of no training it is hard to get back into a habit of training(s). This year I do not want to have any time goals - or at least not until I see I have a good training.

WHAT MAKES YOU A GOOD MANATEE: I find joy in supporting others
-----
- Marysia
"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: marysia83 on 2022-01-03 1:11 PM



Yes!!!
-----
- Marysia
"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: marysia83 on 2022-01-03 1:14 PM



Wooow! Congrats!
So you're saying it's doable...
-----
- Marysia
"If it doesn't challenge you, it won't change you."

RE: Racing Manatees - Better Together in 2022
BY: jmkizer on 2022-01-03 1:14 PM

Welcome back, Marysia!

-----
Janyne