Greetings from SW Missouri

Hi everyone,

I have been reading some of the posts in this forum and wanted to say hello to everyone. This weekend marks one week after my first race and the beginning of my 4th month of training. Not really so sure that I would call it training. I was just doing by going out running and biking, all the while reading on this site and a few others to find tips and such.

2 and 1/2 years ago I had reached a great goal. That goal was not good and it was the high point of a sedentary lifestyle. I had reached 325 lbs, which as a person standing 6' 2" may not be too bad for a defensive lineman that works out everyday. That day was the beginning of a new life. I changed everything and did not just diet I changed my whole lifestyle. Today, I am a healthy 185lb with a good nutritional lifestyle, as well as a new outlook on exercise. Well, it is not exercise but fun.

Last Saturday I had my first biathlon at the Union Country Colorfest Biathlon in Anna, Illinois. The run was great for me and I felt relaxed, as well as quite fresh at the end of the 5K run. The biking section was a different story. I ended up changing two tubes during the race as there were some sharp rocks on the edge of the road. Sometime later it happened again and i was out. But in the end the day was a blast, I had some practice changing tubes during a race, met a few great people, and just enjoyed the day.

I did take my rear wheel in to the local bike shop to have it checked and make sure that there wasn't a metal burr or a spoke coming through my rim tape. All looks good and just hope that I don't have to practice changing tubes for a bit.

So, here I am on Beginner Triathlete. I have signed up, paid my fees, getting a training plan started, ready to learn and have a lot more fun. If there is anyone that comes into the area or lives nearby and wants to go for a ride or run just drop me a note. Always happy to share the road.

Enjoy the day!!

Michael