Stepping out of my comfort zone--mini tri?

[ellesan]

I'm sitting here slack-jawed Sandra.

I was just about to post that although I KNOW it's hard not to think about it, no one, and I mean NO ONE is going to be paying attention to what you look like at the event. Everyone there is single-mindedly thinking about themselves and how they are doing, or how much fun they are having, or whatever. No one is looking around thinking "she really should have rethought that outfit." I *promise* you that. And there will be folks of all shapes and sizes there, and those shapes and sizes will surprise you. The uber looking fit ones that you'll see lining up at the start? Some of them, you will beat. And the ones you see at the start and make a mental note (that you won't likely be proud of) that at least, clearly, you won't come in last because you are in WAY better shape than they are? Yeah, some of them will smoke you.

But I decided to check out your blog first. And I looked at the pics. So I'm changing my comments. Some people MIGHT be looking at you during the race. And those people are going to be thinking: "Holy cow, that chick is in GREAT shape! I wonder how she got those arms/abs/legs?"

You should be SO VERY PROUD of yourself. You are accomplishing so much - incredible, incredible, incredible. A little loose skin, that seriously, likely only you actually notice? It's time to let that go and forget about it for good! You are about to become a TRIATHLETE! How cool does that sound???????

Wow, I'm blushing Thanks so much for all the kind comments! I am very proud of what I've accomplished so far...and what I have yet to do. In the past two years I've definitely started looking at myself as a fit person, but never thought I'd even consider doing a triathlon. How does it sound? Scary!!

 

[ellesan]

She took the words right out of my mouth! And I just want to add that your blog is one of the best I've ever read. It's chock full of useful information and so inspiring! I read very few blogs but yours is a definite standout!

Michele, thank you so much! This really means a lot to me. You guys are making me feel so good today

 

[ellesan]

I agree - awesome blog! I remember looking at your photos some time ago when you posted about your weight loss. You do look amazing! On the shorts - if your tail bone is bothering you, I'm not sure that the padding in the shorts would help that but maybe. Tri padding is very thin too. Could you take a seat cover in with you? Gel seats really aren't the answer either but for only 12 miles, it might help. The issue comes with longer periods of riding when they can actually bother you more than they help. Either way - all the best if you decide to do the race. Just be warned...they are rather addicting

Shana, thank you! I never thought of taking a seat cover--see, so glad I posted this for all of you that have experience/ideas! I will check that out too. I'm sure they are addicting...I think that's one reason I'm hesitant to start!!

Thanks to everyone for all the support/help!

 

[ellesan]

Ok, I found some triathlon clothes that suck in and hide my loose skin--hooray! Tri clothes run SMALL. wow. Strange though, my chest is 33" and waist is 24" and this is a large top (could barely get the medium over my shoulders), but I thought I'd need a medium or large tri short, but these are small, although medium might work good too. Go figure! Both by DeSoto. Sweet!

I'm doing a mini tri this Saturday (indoors). Can't wait!

Also on my cool new bike!

 

[meowracer]

Dang girl - that is a nice bike!!! Also, the brand of tri clothes you got does run smaller than most but yes, they are all very tight so you can slide through the water. You look great!! And you are doing an Iron Girl?? Is your tri at Lifetime Fitness? I did that one 2 weekends ago. A good way to dip your toes into the tri water, so to speak, or else just good practice for the upcoming season.

 

[mrsmel]

Good luck and have fun! You're going to love it!

If I had access to a pool I would do some this summer.

anne

 

[ellesan]

Thanks Anne!

Dang girl - that is a nice bike!!! Also, the brand of tri clothes you got does run smaller than most but yes, they are all very tight so you can slide through the water. You look great!! And you are doing an Iron Girl?? Is your tri at Lifetime Fitness? I did that one 2 weekends ago. A good way to dip your toes into the tri water, so to speak, or else just good practice for the upcoming season.

Shana, thanks! I love my Felt bike!! I'm doing the Iron Girl in Las Vegas in May: 800 meter lake swim, 30K bike and 5K run. I'm so excited. Yes, I'm doing the Indoor Lifetime Fitness on on Saturday, I also figured it was a good way to get into it.

 

[meowracer]

I ride an Orbea Diva - I love my bike too! I would love to do the Iron Girl - we don't have any in this area though. I was reading your blog. If you have it in your budget, a bike trainer would really serve you well. Also, you need to get a swim counter. This is the one I have: http://www.sportcount.com/products....nt&PHPSESSID=be236c28fe23f6212f44dd424953c5ac I have the one at the very top. It has a pause button - the others don't. You won't lose track of your laps anymore! I did the exact same thing and now, no worries. There is also a website called trinewbies.com. This is the link to their Olympic training program: http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_trainingprograms/tno_18wOly.asp I realize yours isn't quite that distance but your swim training looks pretty intense so this one might suit you better. Were you a swimmer before? Total Immersion has some good DVDs and a book on swimming - I am adopting this method of swimming. I never did get a swim coach - I will be anxious to read what you think about that! I am also using a running book and have ordered swim and run workouts in a binder (that's what they are called). The bike is the easy part for me - I train with Spinervals and Cardio Coach. I also read that kettlebell training is very good for running improvements and I love my kettlebells! Just swings if nothing else are supposed to work wonders. And on the swim - it makes me very hungry so I suspect you got overworked when you felt ill afterwards, which is why eating prior helped the next time. It is very taxing on the oxygen system until you get used to it and also on your mind - you have to remember the breathing pattern, count laps (until you get your lap counter - haha!), focus on form, etc - it is stressful, then you can't just breathe like you normally would and ack! sometimes. You swam an incredible distance so I assume you have a background in that though?

 

[meowracer]

Oh yeah - your chain should not be doing that at all. Something is off, which just happens with new bikes. You are doing right to take it in. It should never have slack like that. And on your cleats - you can spray them and your pedals with some WD40 to help with the getting in and out. And when you wrote about being at the intersection - it is normal to have one foot clipped in and one not until you get going. You were wearing your helmet, right??? Also, get some good gel gloves if you don't already have those, and wear bike socks, not running socks that have the band around the middle of your foot. It can make your foot go numb.

 

[mspina]

Ok, I found some triathlon clothes that suck in and hide my loose skin--hooray! Tri clothes run SMALL. wow. Strange though, my chest is 33" and waist is 24" and this is a large top (could barely get the medium over my shoulders), but I thought I'd need a medium or large tri short, but these are small, although medium might work good too. Go figure! Both by DeSoto. Sweet!

I'm doing a mini tri this Saturday (indoors). Can't wait!

Tri clothes sizing is REALLY variable - you really have to try everything on until you know your size in each brand! The sizes of my stuff ranges all over the map. And as someone already mentioned, they are supposed to fit VERY snugly - they should be fairly challenging to get on to make sure they stay snug after they get wet. Otherwise, you'll have massive drag in the water.

Also on my cool new bike!

SWEET ride!!!! Very cool pic too.

 

[ellesan]

Shana, thanks so much for all the great ideas/advice.

An Orbea Diva is my dream bike!! I'm jealous! Wow, my bike is like training wheels compared to that! Luckily my parents loaned my their bike trainer--I'll get it this week.

LOVE that lap counter, exactly what I need--I'm getting it!

Kettlebells are already part of my weekly workouts--love them and Lauren Brooks

Yes, I was a swimmer before (on a swim team a long time ago!) and feel pretty comfortable in the water. Had my first session with my tri coach last night in the pool--it was great. I really wanted someone to watch my stroke/form/technique. For me personally, I can watch videos/get advice but I need the immediate feedback from someone watching me. I was a little nervous, but he said I was a pretty good swimmer and we worked on drills (from total immersion) and form. I'm a bilateral breather, so that helps a lot. I just didn't want to start swimming on my own again and form some bad habits that would be hard to break later. He introduced me to swim paddles, which I love!!

Oh yes, I always wear my helmet! I work in a hospital where we get a lot of head injuries from people not wearing helmets--never without one! The WD40 is a great idea for the cleats/pedals. practice, practice, practice on those buggers!

I'll read over your suggestions again and make a list on how to spend my next paycheck Thanks so much!

 

[ellesan]

Tri clothes sizing is REALLY variable - you really have to try everything on until you know your size in each brand! The sizes of my stuff ranges all over the map. And as someone already mentioned, they are supposed to fit VERY snugly - they should be fairly challenging to get on to make sure they stay snug after they get wet. Otherwise, you'll have massive drag in the water.



SWEET ride!!!! Very cool pic too.

Great advice, thanks!!