A year of firsts

[spindizzy]

I have followed various postings intermittently for the past few months..finally registered and here I am!

I am a new duathlete. Started last year with metabolic testing to pinpoint the caloric intake specific to me. (you know - trying to lose weight over 8 months..not successful despite diet and exercise) Metabolic rate very slow..was a reasonably fit person. Anyway, lost 20 lbs. I now train in specific HR zones specified by my coach, and watch my caloric intake.

First sprint duathlon in June...Ouch! Run times were moderately brutal, bike wan't too bad considering I have never raced a bike before. Weather was hot and humid (despise, despise, despise). 2nd run was most painful..my legs have never felt so awful. Guess I pushed too hard on bike and wan't ready for large chainring! Paid for it with a bad 2nd run!

Coach kicked my butt over summer. Now this coach gives me my program via e-mail and I do it! (very strange, but for once in my life, I love being told what to do!!! )

2nd sprint du in September. Weather - cool, rainy and windy. Remnants of some hurricane..Anyway, took 4 minutes off of my run time and my pace was pretty well the same for both runs. Delerious!

Did a fundraising metric century last weekend! First one! I have never been so happy physically. I totally love where I am and my small accomplishments this summer - it is so empowering to set goals and reach them through hard work and supportive family and though I may take a few steps backwards to go forward, I have grown. I know I can do the tough stuff!

I'm getting some time off now, got my indoor trainer for my bike..start training again in October. May try Olympic du next year - setting that bar!

I look forward to talking with everyone. I need to get my daughter to create an avatar for me...

see ya!

[Tri Girl]

Hello Spindizzy, and welcome to the boards! Sounds like you've had an exciting first year in the sport. Congrats on all your accomplishments. Running after the bike will definitely get easier the more bricks you do! Du's are hard (and I don't really like running, so once in a race is enough for me ). My only du was in the cold and rain, so I don't really have much experience with them.
Have fun out there, and we look forward to getting to know you better!

[RoadRaven]

Welcome to the boards SpinDizzy!

What a great lot of goals and achievements. I find being really focused really helps.

I still have a century on my list of things to do - certainly sounds like yours suited you.

And you are so right - these achievements on the bike... heck, just being on the bike - it is so very empowering, to know you can push yourself, to know you can do it.

I described it once to a group of non-cyclists as being almost spiritual and they just thought I was crazy. But it is - its good for the soul
looking forward to seeing you more round the boards.

[Lise]

Congratulations, and welcome to the TE boards! That feeling of getting through something that's so very hard is part of what I love about racing. Looking forward to getting to know you more.