Hey Slowtwitchers,
Just thought I'd post a short intro and say thanks for all the awesome motivation this crazy and amazing community provides. I look forward to participating and hopefully (some day) contributing. I've already learned so much from the collective wisdom on this forum, and look forward to learning more as I dive even deeper into the hobby.
The Vitals: 44yo male, 6'4" 195-ish, ultra-runner and marathoner (PR 3:13 2017). Several years of ultra running under my belt, including several 24 hour races (including World's Toughest Mudder 24 race 3x). Did a 100 miler in October (was on pace for a sub 24 finish but dnf'd at mile 76 with massive GI distress due to week-long antibiotic treatment leading up to race).
My pacer during the last two laps of my last ultra has done over 20 full ironmans, and finally convinced me it was time to give it a go, even though I am basically starting from scratch (effectively) on both the bike and the swim. Bike background is non-existent since 2002 (2x age group state x-country mountain biking champion in 2002, but nothing even remotely serious since), and I was a competitive swimmer for four years in high school (and literally no pool work since!). So, I know I got it in me...just need to put in the miles.
I always new this day would come, as I have always loved the idea of Ironmans, but I was putting it off given the constraints of a busy work/family/life schedule. However the 4 kiddos are getting older (they are now all in school finally, and two can drive themselves around), the wife has become much more understanding (and actually welcomes something "less extreme" than 24 hour or 100 mile ultra's), and so I think the time is right to jump in. Another big factor, for me is that I've never been crazy about logging lots of bike miles on the street (the law of averages and all that), especially in the Phoenix Metro area, but recent advances in indoor/smart trainers (and Netflix) have really changed my perception of what I can accomplish with mostly indoor riding.
So, I'm going to go for it. I got six months, and just started swimming and biking a week and a half ago. I think I can do this. Although some may question my decision to jump straight to 140.6, its a function of my slightly "off" personality. I'm just not motivated unless the goal is a little bit crazy and extreme. I'm also very "gritty" and competitive. To this day I've never done a 5k or 10k...my first race of any distance was a full marathon. I just don't think I could "get up" for an Olympic Distance or 70.3. Just love the crazy and extreme stuff too much.
Pool sessions are going great (I've done 4 sessions so far, 2,000 yards each in 200y intervals with a few 400's mixed in, averaging a slow 1:45 or so pace per 100), and I know I'll see big improvement if I can get to the pool 3-4x per week. The bike is going to be my biggest challenge. Got 4 15 milers under my belt but I'm slow (15.5 mph average on my s-works epic 29'r MTB). The Kickr arrives on Tuesday, and the new P-series should be here on Friday (gave up trying to find a used bike that fit my oddly proportioned frame (6'4" but short 32" inseam and alien-like long torso). That was a fun conversation explaining to the wife why I needed a $4,500 bike for my very first triathlon! But I figured I"m likely going to love this sport, wanted something with disk brakes so I could upgrade over time, and also wanted to make sure I was comfortable since I'll be spending so much time on the sucker.
Anyway, sorry for the long intro. You guys and gals are awesome. Please don't flame me if I ask too many stupid questions (I'll do my best to search in advance). I'm going to need all the help I can get!
Just thought I'd post a short intro and say thanks for all the awesome motivation this crazy and amazing community provides. I look forward to participating and hopefully (some day) contributing. I've already learned so much from the collective wisdom on this forum, and look forward to learning more as I dive even deeper into the hobby.
The Vitals: 44yo male, 6'4" 195-ish, ultra-runner and marathoner (PR 3:13 2017). Several years of ultra running under my belt, including several 24 hour races (including World's Toughest Mudder 24 race 3x). Did a 100 miler in October (was on pace for a sub 24 finish but dnf'd at mile 76 with massive GI distress due to week-long antibiotic treatment leading up to race).
My pacer during the last two laps of my last ultra has done over 20 full ironmans, and finally convinced me it was time to give it a go, even though I am basically starting from scratch (effectively) on both the bike and the swim. Bike background is non-existent since 2002 (2x age group state x-country mountain biking champion in 2002, but nothing even remotely serious since), and I was a competitive swimmer for four years in high school (and literally no pool work since!). So, I know I got it in me...just need to put in the miles.
I always new this day would come, as I have always loved the idea of Ironmans, but I was putting it off given the constraints of a busy work/family/life schedule. However the 4 kiddos are getting older (they are now all in school finally, and two can drive themselves around), the wife has become much more understanding (and actually welcomes something "less extreme" than 24 hour or 100 mile ultra's), and so I think the time is right to jump in. Another big factor, for me is that I've never been crazy about logging lots of bike miles on the street (the law of averages and all that), especially in the Phoenix Metro area, but recent advances in indoor/smart trainers (and Netflix) have really changed my perception of what I can accomplish with mostly indoor riding.
So, I'm going to go for it. I got six months, and just started swimming and biking a week and a half ago. I think I can do this. Although some may question my decision to jump straight to 140.6, its a function of my slightly "off" personality. I'm just not motivated unless the goal is a little bit crazy and extreme. I'm also very "gritty" and competitive. To this day I've never done a 5k or 10k...my first race of any distance was a full marathon. I just don't think I could "get up" for an Olympic Distance or 70.3. Just love the crazy and extreme stuff too much.
Pool sessions are going great (I've done 4 sessions so far, 2,000 yards each in 200y intervals with a few 400's mixed in, averaging a slow 1:45 or so pace per 100), and I know I'll see big improvement if I can get to the pool 3-4x per week. The bike is going to be my biggest challenge. Got 4 15 milers under my belt but I'm slow (15.5 mph average on my s-works epic 29'r MTB). The Kickr arrives on Tuesday, and the new P-series should be here on Friday (gave up trying to find a used bike that fit my oddly proportioned frame (6'4" but short 32" inseam and alien-like long torso). That was a fun conversation explaining to the wife why I needed a $4,500 bike for my very first triathlon! But I figured I"m likely going to love this sport, wanted something with disk brakes so I could upgrade over time, and also wanted to make sure I was comfortable since I'll be spending so much time on the sucker.
Anyway, sorry for the long intro. You guys and gals are awesome. Please don't flame me if I ask too many stupid questions (I'll do my best to search in advance). I'm going to need all the help I can get!
Last edited by:
ScottUltra: Dec 13, 19 7:51