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2004-11-18 1:42 PM

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Salt Lake City, UT
Subject: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
I was packing on too much weight in my stationary job and was tired of huffing and puffing every time I walked up the stairs. I stumbled onto this site while looking for fitness goals and plans and was immediately psyched by the idea of training for a triathalon--to me a far more attainable goal than just saying "loose weight" or "get into shape." My family thought I was crazy to even try it because I do not come from an athletic background at all and I have never really stuck to any fitness goal that I had previously set.

The training plan that I chose spends 4 months on running...which was perfect for me because I hated running and with a plan I would be forced to stick to the program and not overdue it. Stick to the program I did. First week walking-- no problem. Slowly adding in the running, perfect. As the running minutes gradually went up I could feel myself beginning to struggle. The weight started coming off, lost the love handles and a few inches-- I was feeling fab about my new fitness goals. But for some reason I just could not go beyond 18 minutes of running without a huge struggle or a break in between (yes I know walking breaks are acceptable but I seemed to need a few too many). Despite wanting to give up during every workout, I somehow found the entergy to press through-- but never with feeling like I had really accomplished anything. Well the last two weeks have been amazing-- I finally broke down that brick wall and I am proud to say for the first time in my life I actually like running and look forward to the run. So what happened? Well , it was my first day to run 25 minutes. I decided I was going to run the 25 minutes straight through, no breaking. So I stuck in a DVD, climbed on the treadmill and started my workout. As I strated to run, I used the DVD cover to block the treadmill face plate so I couldn't see how long or far I had gone-- I increased the speed and incline based on how I felt. I felt great, hardly tired at all...of course I eventually wore out and that is when I took a peak at the time...I had run for 28 minutes! I was sooo excited. I felt like I had just run a marathon-- my own personal marathon but still. I felt so pumped I was yelling and hollering. I never in my wildest dreams ever thought that I would be able to run as much as I do now (or that I would actually stick to a fitness plan this long). It is so amazing to me to see the improvement in my entire self.
After this Friday I will have officially completed the running stage of the counch to sprint program and will begin adding in bike and swimming to my training. I can't wait to see what new heights I will achieve (and am excited to start biking and swimming). I will forever be grateful for the day I found BT --
If anyone is doubting that they can do this-- well you can. If I can do it, you definitely can. In fact, my 55 year old mother who has never done more than walking and a bit of light aerobics for exercise bought a treadmill and asked me to print out the trianing program for her too. She called me yesterday to triumphantly report that she ran 5 minutes for the first time in her adult life. Who knows, perhaps we'll register for our first sprint triathalon together...how amazing would that be!!
Thanks for letting me shamlessly boast.


2004-11-18 1:52 PM
in reply to: #84194

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Expert
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Iowa
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
What a great story! It's always great to hear about an "unrunner" who becomes a runner!! Congratulations.!
2004-11-18 1:53 PM
in reply to: #84194

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Veteran
279
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Richmond, VA
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting

Well done!

I think you will be pleasently surprized to see how much your aerobic capacity improves as you add cycling to the mix.  Unless you have a strong swimming background, I'd get your hands on a book or some online recommendations to work first on your swim stroke before trying to use the pool as a cornerstone of your conditioning exercise.

I'll see you in the transition area!

2004-11-18 1:56 PM
in reply to: #84194

Veteran
293
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The Emerald City
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Congratulations on your achievement! Truly inspirational!
2004-11-18 1:58 PM
in reply to: #84194

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2004-11-18 2:16 PM
in reply to: #84194

Expert
1240
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Columbia, MO
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Woo Hoo Great Job!


2004-11-18 2:16 PM
in reply to: #84194

Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Congrats!!! Very inspirational, you runner you!
2004-11-18 2:32 PM
in reply to: #84194

Extreme Veteran
391
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Singapore
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Very nice! Great job at inspiring your mum as well! KEEP IT UP! =)
2004-11-18 2:42 PM
in reply to: #84194

Master
2233
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Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Congratulations! That's a great achievement. Just don't go spoiling our "dirty-little-secret." You know, that everyone can do this if they put in the effort... Keep up the good work. It's an incredible gift that you've given yourself and you will be thankful for it every day that you wake up and say, "I think I'll go for a run today. And smile the whole time I'm doing it."

-Frank
2004-11-18 2:43 PM
in reply to: #84194

Expert
717
500100100
Utah
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
What a great, inspiring story.  Way to go!
2004-11-18 2:58 PM
in reply to: #84194

Extreme Veteran
322
100100100
Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Great Job, Keep up the good work. It only gets better!!!


2004-11-18 4:54 PM
in reply to: #84194

Champion
13323
5000500020001000100100100
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting

wow!  that is excellant.  i hope you are celebrating this friday for the completion of phase I.

2004-11-18 5:56 PM
in reply to: #84194

Veteran
238
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Oviedo, FL
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
Just the inspiration I needed today! Thanks and great work!!
2004-11-18 6:41 PM
in reply to: #84194

Master
2033
200025
Subject: RE: Personal Triumph Shameless Boasting
What a great story! Thank you so much for sharing that with us all!
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