Subject: Hello from NC I am a definite newbie from Winston-Salem, NC. I am planning on competing in my first Tri (Tri-A-Tri ) at aour YWCA in October and am definitely apprehensive. A little about me...I have distal Muscular Dystrophy which affects my hands (weak grip in my right hand ) and feet (drop foot on both ). I have found a lightweight brace to help with the drop foot and will have to wear it when I do the run/walk. I will have to use walking poles for now as I train but hope to be able to eventually transition away from them. My weight has always been an issue. In October of last year, I weighed 456 pounds and was struggling to even get from point A to B. My wife and I made a commitment to change and as of last week, I was down to 396 lbs. Because of my build, most people have no idea I weigh that much. I wanted to become active again and get back down to a reasonable weight (goal is 225 ). I joined the local YWCA and it has made so much of a difference. I can now bike 4+ miles at a time on an exercise bike (at a fairly decent rpm ) and can swim 50 yards without stopping. I walk 1 mile in the water on a regular basis and jog in place for 30+ minutes in the water regularly also. The treadmill is still a little intimidating! My biggest goal/challenge is to be able to jog again. I know I will never win a Tri.....but for me, winning is just finishing! I also want to be able to inspire others with mild to moderate disabilities to get out and try one! |