Guyo's Mentor Group - Closed and starting the year with a Bang !!!

Hello Guy.  I'm relatively new to the tri thing.  Completed my first tri last year (sprint) and three more followed.  It is an amazing sport and I cannot wait to see how I've improved compared to my first year.  Looking forward to the new year.

I'm 44, married (Kimberly) with two girls (13 and 14).  Seeing as how I was outnumbered, we now have two boys  in the family.  The four legged kind.  Cozmo is a boxer and Dodger is a Dachzund (sp).  Never did learn how to spell that breed name.  The boxer and I run together when training.  He's nice to have along when running up hill.  He has a tendency to pull me up the hill a bit.  Makes it nice when tromping through the Minnesota snow.

I've tried to stay current with training, swimming once a week, biking twice a week and trying to run twice a week as well.  When swimming I swim 1500 meters with technique thrown in either before or after.  Thinking of two days/week beginning January.  I'm biking in doors and running outside.  I typically find myself on the bike for no more than 30 minutes, but I'm working my way up to at least an hour at a time.  I so hate biking inside, but know that I have to keep it up.  I run 6 miles each time, but find my pace a bit slow.  Typically around 10 minute miles.

My goal this year is to run the same number of sprints with an oly too.  Also working to shed 17 pounds.  I started at 227 last year.  Worked my way down to 207.  Ideal weight would be 190.  I haven't been at 190 since age 19.  Hmmm.  I've got a lot of work ahead of me, but with encouragement, I know I can do it.

What am I looking for in a mentor?  Someone who doesn't focus solely on themselves.  Last years mentor did just that, which was unfortunate.  Of course, I have my faults to.  I'm not one who spends an inordinate amount of time on this sight.  I'll need to do better.  Anyway, if you have an opening, I'd be glad to join.  You seem to have what it takes.

Hi can I join your group?  I am new to tri's and competed in my first sprint in September 2007.  I will send my bio when I get to a spot where I have a better connection, but wanted to get in before the group closed.

I am a strong swimmer, and swam competitively in HS, and College.  I hate running!  I am currently coming back from an injury to my IT band due to chronic tendonitis in my hips, which I had refused to address ~ but I am now.  I train in NJ and hope to ramp up my running slowly in time for the spring season of tri's and to try and return to Horseback riding(my first love), which has been curtailled due to the injury.

I need serious help on the run.

I am married with three young kids. My son is the oldest (14) and a very good competitive swimmer. He has taken an interest in the triathlon, and often trains with me. I also have an 11 yo and 6 yo daughter.

My first and foremost goal for 2008, is to be able to increase the run to a minimum of 5K and make a successful return to horse back riding. I have ridden for years, and suffered from hip tendonitis of which I never did anything about. A quick ramp up in the run leading up to the Sept tri, damaged the IT band at the hip. I have been successful in returning to the run, and am slowly increasing the distance. I hope to keep the pain at bay when I return to horse back riding in March.

I will compete in the Finger Lakes Triathlon in Sept 2008, and hopefully one or two in the spring if the body allows it. Not sure which ones yet.

I am interested in learning more about training with heart rates, if anyone knows any good references, or information.

You couldn't be more right about the limits of indoor riding.  My current goal is to finish 30 minutes each time I jump on the bike.  Last night seemed like at least an hour.  Definitely struggled.  Had the music playing and changed up positions quite a bit, but everytime I looked up at the timer on my PC, I just got increasingly fatigued and disappointed.  Kind of like the watch pot that never boils I suppose.  A work out set would be greatly appreciated. 

 Looks like we've got a few more that are jumping on board, which is fantastic.  Also looks like we've got a great mix of folks.  This should be a great group.