G'day from Oz

G'day everyone. Newby from Australia here (actually a dual US citizen but yet to return to visit).

Not very many years ago I was depressed, anxious, overweight, and as unfit as I've ever been. My recovery involved a decision to commit to exercise because I know that statistically and experientially it works as well as antidepressants. I went on a diet, got a FitBit, started walking, a few little runs, some cycling, and started working out at the gym. My body started changing and my mental recovery was also under way.

I recently accepted the fact that my body is suited to, and my mind loves, cardio way more than bulking. Cycling was a bit boring on its own and thought I'd try to run again after giving up some years ago (metal post in tibia following fracture plus 3 arthroscopies to tidy up some meniscal tears). Had some knee pain after doing "too much too soon" but the sports physio has helped and so far so good. Have discovered I have a Morton's Neuroma in my foot which is painful after 7-10 km and will need surgery I think but the sports pod has helped me with wider shoes and a small, flat dome insert to spread the bones.

So running on its own is limiting but I need more cardio. Hang on! I can ride and all Aussies can swim so... so then it occurred to me I could put a swim and a ride and a run together so I put together a little 500, 10k, 5k on my own and had a blast! Then two days later did a 750m, 20k, 10k. I was pretty proud of that and it gave me confidence and a taste for this sport. I've never been an athlete as such; just played various individual sports for fun.

Now I'm 49 and as fit as I've ever been. Since I decided to enter a Tri I have been training a bit more consistently and I can see myself getting fitter in future and breaking the mental boundaries I've had ("I can't run", "I'm too old", yada yada). I've been reading up on the sport and keen to learn some better technique for all three disciplines.

I can't wait to take off in my first event (which will have to wait until September I think).

Anyway, thanks for listening. Hope to chat soon.