2 Triathlons down...

Long time since I've posted--many, many changes (job, getting married, moving, etc. etc.). Just had to toss out there that I've finished my second sprint triathlon.  I'm completely non-competitive...just getting to the finish line is enough for me.  I moved up into an average finish this time, as opposed to straggling in at the end. A sprint triathlon is a 'baby' triathlon: 400 meter swim, 10 mile bike race and 5k run.  Pretty much an entire body workout. Not too shabby for a guy that couldn't walk 50 yards 3 years ago. Eric C. 525/478/205

Great Job, Eric!

It's nice to see another brother enjoying the tri-life!
If you happen to keep any kind of race report journal... I'd love to read the details of your experience.

Keep it up!

Be Well,
A.J.

Hey AJ! Sorry,...Hjack,.... Nice read on your Kona Ironman race.  If I hadn't visited your profile, I'd have never seen it.  Good job on the 3rd leg outdoor run and time. I'd have been toast at that pace. You should post that you have your results at: http://maximumcat.livejournal.com or did I just do that? I know others are interested,..I've been waiting to see something myself,....or did you post the link annoucing it was your Tri-race results and I snoozed past that one? You inspire me man.  You 417, me 408;  you 192, me goal 190; you Triathelete, me 1 10K and budding wannabe.  Thanks for sharing this stuff and helping me see it can be accomplished. Joe

No problem with the hijack... I remember back when I was first going to support groups (at about 500 pounds) and hearing the stories of some guys doing 5k races and planning on half marathons and thinking how impossible that would be for me.  I might improve some, but there was no way I'd be out there doing that sort of thing. (Quick edit: I'm actually going to a support group tonight to speak about exactly this sort of thing...I've gone to the other side, now) Over the last three years, I've done enough 5k/10k and half marathons to fill a couple of drawers with shirts.  I've got four pairs of shoes depending on if I'm in a road run, trail run or triathlon... I don't know when the transition happened, but I went from being one of the wannabes to one of the 'doing its.' Now I walk/jog to work two or three times a week (7 miles each way) and don't think anything about it.  I used to HAVE to stop halfway across the parking lot on the way to my car every night.  My first 5k was 1:10.  My current is less than half of that. Just stick with it and it happens.  Just remember every step you take is one you couldn't before you did this. Eric C.

Thanks EC, Congrads on being the gueast speaker. How cool is that!! And to be on the otherside now too. Inspiring. Thanks for the support and encouragement as well as the example. Jogging to work,...theres a dream  to consider.  How would I get home? Joe

A.J, Eric and all wanna-be triathletes... here are a few race reports back in 04 when I was a newbie. Hopefully the links work for you. The last link is kind of a humorous story on the local news channel. Anyway, I'm about a month out from surgery. Had the open Duodenal Switch. I'm down 30 and have started swimming this week, will bike in 2 weeks and be running by Memorial Day. I'm training for a late July triathlon to get back into this sport. It's so addicting... Jim

http://www.trinewbies.com/phorum3/forums/thread-view.asp?tid =26511&posts=21

 

 

http://www.trinewbies.com/phorum3/forums/thread-view.asp?tid =28113&posts=7

 

 

http://www.trinewbies.com/phorum3/forums/thread-view.asp?tid =30737&posts=13

 

 

http://www.kare11.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=99890

Eric - good to see you on the boards again!  I've been on hiatus myself the past 3-4 months dealing with the "curve balls" that life was throwing at me.  It's good to be back and see some of the old familiar faces along with so many of the new gents. Congratulations on the triathlons!  What an accomplishment and definitely a motivation to me to keep on pushing...all things are possible if we're willing to put in the blood, sweat and tears!  You should hook up with A.J. here on the boards - he's triathlon training too and really busting his a$$, well, what's left of his a$$ that is!! Cards Fan 'STEP OFF THE SIDELINES AND GET IN THE GAME!"

EC, What motivating info. I even checked out your profile page.  I like AJ would love to read any journal or recaps of your running/racing experiences.  After I did my first, it was a terrific experience, I got to feeling wahy am I doing this?  I could be doing more productive stuff,..but that is the attitude I let detour me from personal exercise pre-op.  I am still struggling with entry fees and race days being a bit selfish and personal gratification type things.  I have come to a recent revelation,...being a tithe paying church member, and spending up to 2 to 2.5 hours a day wlaking/jogging, the thought occured to me that exercise is like tithing to yourself.  10% of each 24 hrs is 2.4 hrs.  If we don't invest in ourselves, one day the well/bank will run dry.  Mine ran dry before surgery.  Irregardless of any good intentions, my personal helath and lack of mobility prevented me from doing much of anything for anyone and I was finding myself more dependant on other to assist me to the point of embarrassment.  For what its worth,.. but you see my see-sawing struggle with myself. I would enjoy your training and race day experiences if and as you would be willing to share. Joe

Very well put Joe. We are all worth that 10% investment and the return is way more than the investment. pan head

Joe is right, what motivating information.   I too looked at your bio and couldn't believe it.  Being a little depressed today, you have inspired me.   Couldn't believe the pictures.  My wife wanted to know if I will get that 'good looking'.  Of course I told her yes, just a little more aged.  Mike Ray