My name is Ephraim (pronounced E-from), and I most definitely a Tri-Rookie. My wife and I recently decided to ramp up for our first sometime this summer (we may do up to 3). So, as I naturally do, I started researching tons and came across Tom’s site, and then this one.
A little background:
I’ve never been much of an athlete and had low-self esteem until college, mostly due to being “chubby.” However, I started to get active, started cooking on my own, and I continue to get smaller and smaller (I have gone from being 6’2 and 230-235 at my worst to my current 6’5 195)
Anyway, I got into running about 4 years ago, but am not very fast and have a weird tendency to cramp (my marathon was a nightmare that I loved) as I go along. My 5k’s low 20’s but I hope to work on that. Just bought a bike (had to go the :false economy route" since my local SMALL LBS doesn’t carry a line that gets long in the top tube (I am very long torsoed)), so I am new to biking.
And new to swimming. Being a nerd at heart, I researched and read up on TI, which has given me something to target, since swim coaches are hard to find in Central NM. I am slowly progressing in comfort. Just this past August I would get frustrated doing 100m straight, now I am working on getting my 400m time under 8 mins (that’s a goal for this summer, not right now since I would probably peg a 9 minute time).
Anyway, just thought I would drop a line and say hi. PRobably will be a bit of a lurker for a while though.
Oh yeah, for those interested, the bike is just a 63cm Trek 2000 (almost stock) from last year. Nothing to get excited about.
When I was a kid I was so fat they put me in a Special Education Gym class. If you buy the Rosie O’Donnell Chub Club Manual, “You Don’t have to be Thin to Win” by Judy Molnar there is a brief story about me in there- I’m the fat kid named Tom (obviously).
I’ve battled my weight all my life and certainly carry the attendant “issues” with me to this day. I recently lost 12 pounds and I’m down to 153 at 5’9" which is pretty good for me.
Good luck, nice to read your post. I have to go to the pool now…
Welcome !!! Hey we are all geeks her,what kind of people dp this stuff anyhow. Beware of Mr. Tibbs though. I f you really want to belong,search the posts for “how far can you hit the penguin Mr Tibbs”(I am serious)You must score 500
Welcome aboard but be aware that this is a very addictive activity. I did my first tri on a dare from my teenage daughter who told me that I was “way too old” for this. Did the first as a lark to just prove her wrong but now I’m hooked. The good news is that last year I did that same tri a half hour faster than the first time several years back (and it’s only a sprint). The bad news is the $$$$$ I’ve spent having so much fun.
Should I have introduced myself as well? I just lurked and started posting, surely some sort of faux pas.
No. No. No. You’ll never make friends like that. Just jump right in and start calling people names, use a lot of sarcasm and post like you know everything. People 'round here just love that type of thing. Be sure to post every 5 minutes and start lots of off-topic threads. Post your strongest political and religious beliefs, as well.
I guess you could go the subtle introduction route if it’s more your style. =)
(I have gone from being 6’2 and 230-235 at my worst to my current 6’5 195)