Starting Over

[Tri'ing Hard]

Hi,

I used to do Triathlons about 5 years ago. I loved it because of the thrill of the race (even though I wasn't really competitive, I think I held my own) and that it kept me in shape. I lost 30 pounds and kept it off for several years. When my kids went to school, I started volunteering more and was working and training took a back seat.

Over the past 5 years, the weight has crept back on. I thought I would never let myself gain the weight back after losing it. I'm actually mad at myself.

So this weekend, I was cleaning out my closet and found all my "in-shape" clothes. How depressing was that.

Today, I took my road bike in for a tune-up and I'm going to start training again. Is it possible to train for a tri in September? I have continued working out, but nowhere near the intensity that I was 4 years ago. I know that I need to work on improving my endurance. Has anyone gone through such a setback.

Any training plan referrals or inspirational stories would be appreciated.

TIA

[derosarah]

Tia,

Our situations are different, but I feel a bit of a connection to what you said. I am doing my first solo tri this Sunday (yikes!) and it's because of two reasons: 1) I always wanted to do one myself (did swimming in the past, but not the whole thing) and 2) I was completely fed up with my body image running the show and holding me back (it's been my excuse for years-- "I'm to fat/out of shape/etc to do a tri!"). I had enough of that BS.

But here's the thing-- what's a great way to get into shape?? Training for a tri! But for me it's more about feeling good about the strong, healthy, powerful body that I have (or eventually will have--not there yet, but on my way!)!! I too am familiar with the the mad-at-myself feelings sometimes about the weight I've gained, and I would say that since I bit the bullet and signed up for the triathlon (thereby forcing me to train and get moving again), I have really started to appreciate my body and all that it can do! I had a rowing coach many years back who was listening to us women b*tch about our bodies as we were getting measured for our unisuits... we were going on and on about how fat we were, how big our hips were, etc, etc... and she finally had it and said "Enough! I will not listen to you degrade your bodies another second! These are the bodies that row for you every morning... they are strong, they are powerful, and you will show them, yourselves and each other more respect!" It was a stunning and beautiful sentiment that stuck with me.

So, I say "start over"... start fresh... I think as long as you don't start comparing what you "used to do" and instead focus on your daily progress and accomplishments, you will be excited and ready to tri it up again!

Best of luck to you!!
Sarah

[colby]

September is plenty of time (assuming we're not talking an Ironman here). You can do it, and you'll probably lose some of that weight between now and then in the process.

Even if you change your mind in September, you'll be no worse off than you are today. No reason not to try, right? (I know, I make it sound so easy, but honestly, unless the race fees are a hardship, I would totally do it.)

[NbyNW]

Why not, if you're otherwise healthy?

I did my first sprint tri last September and only signed up for it 5-6 weeks in advance. I had a serious back injury in '06 that really undermined my confidence in my ability to participate in sports, especially anything to do with running. My first post-injury run was at an "intro to tri" weekend hosted by Wahine, last July. It was a light run, maybe 2 miles, on a squishy, forgiving track. Lots of tips and encouragement that weekend, and next thing I knew, I was convinced that I could be ready for a tri six weeks out!

I ended up alternating running and walking for the last leg of the race, but for me the important thing was to increase my cardio fitness, which had suffered a great deal after my injury, and to just finish!

If your body isn't the same as it was five years ago, it's probably a good idea to take that into account so as to avoid any training injuries. Know when to push, when to ease off . . .

Good luck!

[spindizzy]

So, I say "start over"... start fresh... I think as long as you don't start comparing what you "used to do" and instead focus on your daily progress and accomplishments, you will be excited and ready to tri it up again!

Best of luck to you!!
Sarah

Nicely said.

[Tri'ing Hard]

Thanks for the input. I've been pulling out my training books the past couple of days. My DH asked me if I am planning on doing a Tri this year and I have his full support. The kids are older and more self-sufficient, so I should have no problem putting in the training needed.

Thanks again!

Tia