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Band Geek to Triathlete
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 2004-09-16 5:28 PM |
Extreme Veteran  414  Reston, VA |  Subject: Band Geek to TriathleteHow I got here: In July 2003, I was sitting by a neighborhood pool, pleasantly fluffy-headed by the effects of a smuggled-in adult beverage. After watching lap swimmers go back and forth, I decided, “Hey, I can do that.” Two lengths of choppy “freestyle” later, I was breathless and embarrassed. I had just turned 41 and at about 70 pounds overweight, was way too young to feel so old. I remembered living in Hawaii in the 80’s when my coworkers were doing what was then the Tinman Triathlon. I remembered with some shame that I had missed that opportunity and wasted some prime years of fitness. That’s when I decided to become a triathlete. After the smuggled-in adult beverage buzz wore off, I did some research and was enthralled. I hate to run, and hadn’t ridden a bike in decades, but I love to swim. All together, the sum of the three looked way better than the individual parts. I bought some books, starting with Triathlon for Ordinary Mortals, and found a reasonable walk-to-run program on www.beginnertriathlete.com. Like any good deskbound nonjock, I made up an Excel chart on my lunch hour and posted it on the side of the fridge. I marked off each day’s walk with a diagonal blue line. My dog loved the increased activity, too. Backing up for a second, I say “deskbound nonjock” because that’s what I am. I’ve never been an athlete. Ever. I was an honor student growing up, a band kid, a nerd. Not that I don’t love sports. There aren’t many Southerners – male or female – who don’t have a passion for the regional religion of college football. I am and always have been a devoted (non-Southern friends say maniacal) follower of the University of Florida Gators. I just never played sports. I was uncoordinated and uninterested in being sweaty. It just wasn’t me. But this triathlon thing had me between the ears. I read and read and read. I walked, then I jogged. I swam in the pool at the Spring Hill Rec Center and rode Life Cycles when the weather turned cold. I was even nice to another gymgoer who was as much of a Miami Hurricane as I am a Gator. I bought a bike on ebay. I entered some events. Now at the end of my first season, with the experience gained from some ups (biking and running) and downs (swim panic), I'm ready to plan for the next season. |
| 2004-09-16 5:53 PM in reply to: #62753 |
molto veloce mama 9311  | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete welcome! never say never, right? i've always been athletic, but was never an athlete, if that makes any sense. this is a great place to find support. congrats on your first season. |
 2004-09-16 6:19 PM in reply to: #62753 |
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| 2004-09-16 10:52 PM in reply to: #62753 |
Veteran 276 manitoba, canada | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete GatorJamie - 2004-09-16 4:28 PM Backing up for a second, I say “deskbound nonjock” because that’s what I am. I’ve never been an athlete. Ever. I was an honor student growing up, a band kid, a nerd. . I love it!! I wasn't even the last one picked for dodge ball, because I was already skipping gym (my legs were too skinny - twigs with melons for knees!)- there is no more text-book definition of a non-jock than me. And yet, I'm finally GETTING it!! And not being intimidated. Let's kick butt Gator Jamie!! |
| 2004-09-17 12:20 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Central Louisiana | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Welcome to the T-Spot! Great to have you here! |
| 2004-09-18 12:55 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Extreme Veteran 412 las vegas | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete welcome to the site and great job on your progress! |
| 2004-09-18 3:49 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Extreme Veteran 348 Melbourne | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete |
| 2004-09-18 5:39 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 2233 Mechanicsburg, PA | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Welcome! - from one band geek to another (insert secret band geek handshake here). Like you, I never really played sports (although I did race BMX, did BMX and skateboard freestyle and some mountain bike racing until I got out of high school) and have found that triathlon is closer to chess than it is any 'sport.' Aside from the 3 dozen people that do this professionally, it seems the biggest competition is between you brain and your body. So far, I have amassed a library of presidential proportions and devour each book 2 or 3 times before moving on to the next one. Heck, I've got most of my trainging/races for next year already picked out  Glad to see you had a wellrounded first season! -Frank |
| 2004-09-21 9:02 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 2447 Marietta, Ga | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete As much as it pains me to do so, being a dyed in the wool FSU Seminole, I shall force myself to welcome you to the boards without any predudice or sophmoric references to the superiority of our football program (just so long as you promise never to speak the name "Chris Rix" in my presence). In all seriousness, I too, was 41 when I began this adventure back in June. I'm happy to report that at this age and my level of conditioning, I can still find improvements in my times. The body is not at the point yet where I've reached terminal velocity and everything has begun sliding backwards! This is a great sport and I commend you on your achievements this summer. I believe the hard part for us all awaits us this winter when the days are short and cold and motivation is waning. Go Seminoles! Edited by Motivated 2004-09-21 9:06 AM (FSU Head.jpg) Attachments ---------------- FSU Head.jpg (4KB - 11 downloads) |
| 2004-09-21 12:15 PM in reply to: #62753 |
Master 1480 Plant City, FL | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Alright, enough FSU on one post. Jamie, I gotta back ya on this one. I'm trying to eat my turkey sandwich and becomming increasingly nauseated with the garnet and gold from above. ORANGE AND BLUE UNITE!!! Add in the band geek secret handshake as Scuba Punk mentioned and we're super heros!! GO GATORS!!! |
| 2004-09-21 1:38 PM in reply to: #62753 |
Master 1558 Pensacola, Fl | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Go VOLS!!!! Sorry, just couldn't resist...especially after this weekend!!! Please don't hold this against me, I am actually a nice guy. Even to Gator fans! (Football season brings out the worst in me). Welcome to BT, you will love it! |
| 2004-09-21 5:39 PM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 1480 Plant City, FL | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Oh, Come on!!! I knew someone, somewhere would sneak that in!! That was a cheap shot. Not that I wouldn't have taken it myself, had we gotten the "W" in our column. I still bleed orange and blue, no matter what!! |
| 2004-09-21 7:16 PM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 2447 Marietta, Ga | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Lane comes in with the knock out punch! I root for the Seminoles and anyone, I mean anyone, who plays the lowly gators! Edited by Motivated 2004-09-21 7:19 PM (96004.jpg) Attachments ---------------- 96004.jpg (3KB - 11 downloads) |
| 2004-09-21 7:21 PM in reply to: #64847 |
| Master 1558 Pensacola, Fl | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete I won't admit this in public (oops!), but this die-hard Tennessee fan would pull for the Gators over the Noles! It's an SEC thing! |
| 2004-09-21 7:49 PM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 1480 Plant City, FL | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete OK, OK, SEC Unite!!!! I agree. I will pull for the SEC teams. I live for football. I love the fall, there is football on Saturday, NFL on Sunday. Throw in a triathlon every other weekend, and you're good to go. Despite all the FSU hoopla, it's amazing that the 'Canes continue to dominate that battle!! |
| 2004-09-21 7:56 PM in reply to: #64863 |
| Master 1558 Pensacola, Fl | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Now there is a team that I would want the Noles to beat!!! |
| 2004-09-21 8:01 PM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 1480 Plant City, FL | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Me too, especially this year. ONLY because when we BEAT FSU this year, we'll be higher in the poll!!! I know it's selfish, but it's football!!! BLOOD MAKES THE GRASS GROW!! |
| 2004-09-21 9:14 PM in reply to: #64868 |
| Expert 671 Atlanta, GA | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Karl, I never told you this b/c I want us to remain friends but...........I am a Miami fan!  |
| 2004-09-21 9:19 PM in reply to: #64885 |
| Master 1558 Pensacola, Fl | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Now that is going to leave a mark! |
| 2004-09-22 6:27 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Extreme Veteran 414 Reston, VA | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Ahhhh, yes. If a simple introductory post can spark serious college football smack, then my work here is done. All is right with the world. :D You Tennessee people need to take a cue from the Noles, though, and accept the gift(s) from the refs. Yeah, yeah, your guy did kick a boomer, but he had the gift of time to do it. Tell you this, though: if Dallas Baker retaliates against a Kentucky player this weekend, I am going to personally haul my fat middle-aged tailgate-fueled butt out of the Alumni Band bloc, storm the field, and b*tch-slap him myself. GOOOO GATORS! |
| 2004-09-22 6:32 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 1480 Plant City, FL | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Thanks Jamie!! Make sure you slap Dallas for me too. What an idiot!!! I wasn't going to get into that the refs gave Tennessee the game, BUT since you brought it up.... Blow that tuba loud on Saturday!! I will be home, with my new puppy, my sax, playing along!! GO GATORS!! |
| 2004-09-22 6:38 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Extreme Veteran 414 Reston, VA | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete OMG - my friends make fun of me for playing my tuba along with the TV during Gator games. So comforting to know that I'm not the only uber-geek. :D If only I loved running as much as the Gators... |
| 2004-09-22 7:46 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 1558 Pensacola, Fl | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete You guys need therapy!!! Get over the call!! It is payback for that Florida touchdown (so-called) that was an incomplete two years ago. Yeah, I agree it is tough to swallow after a bad call from the ref (which it was!), but I will take it anyway I can get it, especially over a good Florida team. CJ is one hell of a QB! Just hope our two true freshman QBs turn out to be close to as good as he is! Playing the instruments with the TV???? What is that about??? then again, if I can sing Rocky Top, 43 times to the tv during the game, I guess I will allow you guys to play your instruments as well! I think this thread has been officially highjacked in the name of COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!!!!!! |
| 2004-09-22 8:00 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Extreme Veteran 414 Reston, VA | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete LOL - you know, I was thinking the same thing about bad calls being karma re the Jabar Gaffney "catch" 2 years ago. It was just tough for us to have such bad officiating for the second time in four games. You may recall that the f$u debacle received national attention re its officiating last year. This time it looked like the SEC officials were trying prove that they were as incompetent as those ACC officials were. Then there were the Neyland play clocks. WTF was that? You guys power them on moonshine or something? But whatever. If Matt Leach hadn't blown his kick, it would have been a different story. My tri season ended two weeks ago, so I'm enjoying a short break before starting next year's training on Sept. 27. I'm engrossed in college football and planning a HUGE tailgate party for the Kentucky game this weekend. We're renting an RV and driving to Hogtown tomorrow night for a weekend of food, drink, and football excess. Scary thought, though - sometimes I'd rather train than see a Gator game. I know I'll feel great after a long swim, bike, or run, but that's not always the case after a game. Yikes! One other thing: I know that some people get peeved about hijacking threads, but hey, life is short and college football is a cult to us Southerners. Hijack all you want! GOOOOOO GATORS! |
| 2004-09-22 8:04 AM in reply to: #62753 |
| Master 2447 Marietta, Ga | Subject: RE: Band Geek to Triathlete Tony, That just cuts me to the heart. My own friend, rooting for the evilest of evil empires in all of sports. Ya'll are more evil than environmental polluters, purse snatchers and Louisiana politicians! I have nightmares about "Wide Right"! Now, every time I see you, I'll know that deep down in your heart, you'll be relishing the moment that comes every year when Miami dashes our hopes of yet another National title. Thank goodness we got it over early this year. I dislike the Gators, but I tremble with nausea at the mere mention of the Hurricanes. |
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