My IntroH Ducktion!
So since I only recognize a couple names here I should probably introduce myself that way you can make an educated decision on if I really know anything I talk about or do I randomly make crap up (which I am known o do).
I had RnY About 4 years ago and I had no desire to end up where I am today. My goal was to finish a 5K which I did 11 weeks after surgery, but then I did another one and my oldest son around 10 at the time beat me. I obviously couldn't let that happen again so I really began to push myself. I then had a friend say I could do a 10K and before I had finished that I had decided to do a Half Marathon oh I through in a 15K for kicks that year as well.
Next year I had friends convince me I could do a Triathlon just a sprint well that lead to a Half Ironman then another.
To be honest until Last year I made every mistake possible in training. I followed the people said I need to eat carbs. Hell at one point I was exercising 2 hours a day and managed to gain weight training for a Half Ironman.
I have Completed Augusta 70.3 HIM solo twice once as a relay (I did run) and I had a DNF last year at Silverman 70.3, taken off course by ambulance after passing out from extreme dehydration. I have done a bunch o 5Ks and a number of Sprint Triathlons. Last Year I signed up for a Full Ironman but my Life did not allow for the dedication to the training. This year I am doing 70.3 in Chatanooga and Relay with my wife, who for 3.5 years thought I was nuts and hated what I do.
I now live a fairly low carb life for an endurance athlete and I do not use any of the nasty ass gels people talk about. I do what I do for the fun and sense of accomplishment. I have come to learn that the Triathlon community while filled with Alpha personalities has many more supportive people and they all want to see people finish. In my journey I have convinced a number of people to drink the Koolaide and they love it.
I am not fast and will probably never be first in a race I may be last but I will have fun doing it and make lots of friends along the way.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Hey Paul...thanks for the intro...love your devotion to exercise!
I too had surgery about 4 1/2 years ago. When I was younger I was a pretty good athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball good enough to be fairly accomplished even though I was always overweight.
Now, about 1 1/2 years after surgery a friend said I should do a 5k. I was like no way could I EVER do that. Well, lo and behold did the C 25K program and did a couple of them. Then I said why not do a 10K? so I did, then why not a 1/2 Marathon? so I did..finally tried to do a full marathon. Could not get past the 18 mile training mark. Still, happy to be able to do all those races and am doing a 1/2 marathon in a month or so.
My goal for this year is to do a Sprint Triathalon. Not sure how to train for it..any tips?
Yours in Exercise....Bill
Yours in WLS Journey,
Bill Mac
The good news is that a sprint distance requires much less overall training.
Typical Week:
2-3 days swimming
2-3 days running
2-3 days cycle
Focus on your weakness bu don't ignore your strengths. If you are a decent runner remember running off the bike feels completely different and takes me up to a mile to get my stride. For this we do what is called a brick Ride then run within a couple minutes.
Swimming tends to be were most people struggle and remember after losing massive weight we are less buoyant. The key to swimming is learning to become more efficient in the water and not speed. Look into Effortless or Total Immersion Swimming.
if you have specific questions I would be more than happy to answer them. The key is to have fun.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Hi Paul...thanks for the information. RIght now I am training for a 1/2 Marathon in Mid March. After that going to focus on training for a Sprint Tri in May/June. I appreciate the advice, will look into the training technique and other info you gave me...
Good Luck on your next race!!
Yours in WLS Journey,
Bill Mac
Actually Tri training is good cross-training for long distance running. Cycle Endurance translates to run endurance but not the other way around.
Swimming and cycling are both low impact and can be done on off days. My coach always has me swim the day after my log runs to flush the crap from my muscles.
First 5K 9/27/20 46:32 - 11 weeks post op (PR 28:55 8/15/11)
First 10K 7/04/2011 1:03 First 15K 9/18/2011 1:37
First Half Marathon 10/02/2011 2:27:44 (PR 2:24:35)
First Half Ironman 9/30/12 7:32:04
Great intro, Paul! My friends have convinced me to drink the Koolaide as well... It is pretty good. LOL :)
I have an Aquathon in 15 days, then an ultra sprint tri in 86 days, and my first full sprint tri will be in July (unless I sign up for another one in June). I also have a couple of 5K's and other swim races thrown in along the way.
289 / 273 / 163.4 / 164 10cc AP Standard 
my band!
Good luck in Chatanooga! Hearing that your wife is on board after 3.5 years gives me hope.... my husband still thinks I train too much! Hoping to get him to the koolaid some day.... ;)
First ultra: Stone Mill 50 miler 11/15/14 13:44:38, First Full Marathon: Marine Corps 10/27/13 4:57:11, Half Marathon PR 2:04:43 at Shamrock VA Beach Half-Marathon, 12/2/12 First Half-Marathon 2:32:47, 5K PR Run Under the Lights 5K 27:23 on 11/23/13, 10K PR 52:53 Pike's Peek 10K 4/21/13, (1st timed run) Accumen 8K 51:09 10/14/12.
