my triathlon experince

My surgeon recommended I post my story, so here goes... I am one year post op...and just about 100 lbs lighter.  My starting weight was 289 and today I am 194lbs.  I was always into sports, played in high school and college, but got away from it somewhat as my weight kept increasing.  After a while it was too hard to do these sports I had done my whole life.  So, when I was getting my lap band, I told my surgeon that was something I wanted to get back into.  4 months post-op I signed up for my most dredded activity...running.  It was a summer run series.  I figured it would keep me motivated to exercise.  And it did.  And even stranger...I felt me actually getting excited for the races.  Now, let me remind you, I wasn't winning any awards for coming in first or anything.  But the first race was 5 miles...I knew I wasn't going to be able to run it, but I figured I would do my best.  I ran some...walked some and finished the race.  I shed a tear or two crossing the finish line because I had never done that before and I was so proud of myself.  So, one thing led to another and my friend suggested entering into a sprint triathlon...1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run.  I thought she was nuts, but decided to go for it.  It was so motivational, I couldn't believe I was actually going to do this.  So, when the day came...exactle 6 months after my surgery ( and 70lbs lighter), now at about 220lbs...I completed my first sprint triathlon!  It was amazing.  I was jogging the last 1/4 mile thinking to myself, "Oh my God...six months ago you were almost 300 lbs with little hope in the future for a healthy lifestyle and now you are completing this race."  It was surreal.  Tears came to my eyes as they announced my name as I crossed the finish line.  I couldn't believe how far I had come.  So, the bottom line is..If I can do it...anyone can do it!

That's great Katie. Very motivational.

Katie, That is excellent.  I just completed a 30-day triathalon last month, and look forward to doing my first sprint in August.  The surgery has also provided me with opportunities that four years ago I never would have dreamed could become reality.  Keep us posted on your next achievement. Rob  

Thanks!  What is a 30-day triathalon?? Never heard of it.  Good luck on your first sprint...they are fun.  Just when you feel exhausted from one event...you move on to a different one.  I have a few coming up this summer...one in Disney in May, very excited about that one.   Well good luck with everything.

The 30-day tri is sponsored by CONTACT Mid-Atlantic.  In 30-days you need to complete (2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles biking, and 26 miles running).  It was fun and gave me the motivation I needed to get to the gym in the cold month of Feb.   It also was my first time back in the water and getting those laps in proved tough.  I got in over 300 miles on the bike and 57 miles running during the 30-days.  Other than a few sprints this year, my plan is to do events separately.  My goal right now is to complete a half-marathon next Sunday (Ceasar Rodney) and one early next year at Disney World.    I have a 200-mile ride in Germany in May planned, and several 150-mile MS rides in June and October. I find that having these events scheduled monthly is a great motivator.  I used to be concerned that I was in the lower third of finishers in these events.  Then I realized that I was one of the 400-2,000 people participating in the events.  Just think of all the people who have never even participating.  I beat every one of them. Good luck with your next endeavor.

That is so inspiring thank you so much for sharing your story! Enjoy every moment of your weight loss success