I have been swimming sense I was eight. I stopped two years ago because I was tired of the same thing I am starting up again to get back into shape and for a new hobby. I gained 80 pounds over the last two years and I need to get involved with a sport to get back in shape. I am going to need all the help I can get. I haven’t started biking yet but I am running .25 miles and walking .25 miles. Any help? I am using my mom’s old road bike that I will modify some. I am doing the 21 week training and I will do my first triathlon in the beginning of next year. Any hints, helps or training groups from Springfield Missouri?
cool, welcome to the sport. you’ve come to a good place, as there’s a lot of useful information exchanged on the forum. it looks like you’re just starting out, so i’d just suggest building up very gradually, and focus more on keeping a consistent routine. eventually you’ll get into better shape, and also break down the mental barriers in doing longer and more challenging workouts. it’s also key to be able to view your workouts, as an enjoyable activity, or as a release, rather than a chore or a burden. i’ll leave it at that. you’ll get additional imformative responses, and probably a good chance hear from someone who knows your area. good luck.
First off, you’ve already done the most difficult thing, and that is getting started. So you’ve already done a fine job. Well done.
Second, remember, you crawl before you walk, walk before you run and you can eat an elephant if you take little bites.
So take it a little at a time, do some reading, and keep asking questions. Everyone here loves questions.
Best of luck and keep posting- welcome on board!
Sticking with the consuming a large animal in small bite thought of Tom, you must also remove a large a large mass in small quanities, i.e., it took you two years to gain 80 lbs., whatever you do, DO NOT get impatient with losing those 80 lbs. It just might take you another two years to lose it. Good weight control is a result of a Lifestyle change, not a “diet”. The word “diet” simply means everything you eat, not some caloric-restrictive period that you “go on” and “go off”.
You may have to approach your eating similar to many addiction-control treatments. Or, maybe you just have to be sensible with what you eat and MOVE! Only you can determine what direction to try first. Just take a hard, honest look at your reasons for the 80 lbs. and go the direction you find you must go in order to be healthy.
Triathlon may be a good tool to help you reach your goal. Congratulations for taking a step in a direction that holds possiblities for improving your health. Keep walking toward the light, and you will get to your goal!
Hi swimchick! Welcome to Slowtwitch.
I’m an ex-swimmer too, and I’m only one step ahead of you, so here’s the lessons I’ve learned so far.
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Slow and steady is the way to go! Don’t try and do too much too soon.
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Coming from a swimming background, I found that running too much too soon is the easist way to injure yourself. I think your run/walk idea is a great way to start.
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Take your bike into your local bike shop for a tune-up before you start riding a lot. Get them to look it over and tighten anything that needs tightening, apply grease where it needs grease etc.
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As for losing weight, don’t worry about it. If you stick with the beginner’s training plan, it will happen automatically without you having to focus on it. Try and replace SOME of your intake of processed foods with some fruit and veggies and the rest will take care of itself.
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Good luck with the training plan. I’m just starting that myself too!
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MOST IMPORTANT! Have fun! If you’re enjoying what you’re doing, you’ll stick with it. Enjoy getting out for a run, or bike. Enjoy your first race etc. It’s a whole new adventure!
Hi Swimchick,
Congratulations on taking the first step! Getting out and being consistent is probably the most important thing. Try to do something every morning, even if just 20-30 minutes. That will give the rest of the day a boost.
As for nutrition, eating sensibly and a good variety of food works. Lean proteins, fruits, veggies, watch the “white stuff”–starchy pasta, rice, potatoes, try to limit processed food. This has all worked for me and I’m down about 40 pounds in the past 1.5 years.
Some good nutrition info is at:
http://www.byrn.org/gtips/n101.htm
http://www.byrn.org/newsletter/2002/apr2k2.htm
http://www.byrn.org/gtips/n301.htm
http://www.byrn.org/gtips/femnutrition.htm
As for tri clubs in your area, try this contact:
tri_mo
989 blue jay lane
anderson 64831
Phone: 417-775-2277
Cost: nothing
Description: triathlon club for southwest missouri. this is a club for all the lovers of pain in and near joplin missouir
Distances: any distance any sport
Good luck!! You’ve got some nice hills to ride down there.
clm in sf
What I wish someone would’ve told me:
There’s no shame in walking.
I wonder if I would’ve had all the problems I’ve been having on the run if I would’ve just built up my tendons & ligaments with a solid amount of walking first.
Get a Heart Rate monitor and stick to your aerobic zone for training (180 - your age). This will keep you burning calories as efficiently as possible and build your aerobic system. You will be amazed at how much faster you will get with out doing any speedwork and it will help to keep you from going to hard and injuring yourself. The best thing you can do is slowly build up base, use the bike as a tool to build base as it is low impact and keeps you off your feet. Build your mileage slowly and always take an easy week every three to four weeks ie: build for 2 or 3 and fall back for 1, if you are just starting out and losing weight I would recommend the 3 week rotation. You mentioned running 0.25 and then walking 0.25 which is great, don’t be too proud to walk. If you watch your heart rate monitor you probably will have to walk to stay in your zone and you should, you will be pleasantly surpirsed/rewarded if you build base slow and see those walk breaks getting shorter and fewer. If possible get a bike trainer for this winter and build base inside, you will be happy for this in the spring!! Lastly have fun, the thrill of finishing your first race will last forever.