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Discussion: Out of Shape Mama
Subject: Out of Shape Mama By: Kati M. Written on: 2006-06-20 16:57:28 Message: I am extremely interested in doing a tri...starting with a spring of course. I am only 29, but putting work and kids before myself has left me over weight, out of shape and stressed out. Anyone else out there in a similar condition when they first started? And if so, how do you get over the newbie jitters and just get your butt out there and do it?
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-20 17:08:49 Message: I helped a bunch of ladies in your condition compete in a Danskin Womens sprint Tri. They are all over the country, very friendly and as a first TRI, I would recommend them to any woman. A majority(80-90%) of the women have similar backgrounds to you and have worked more or less the same to get out there and do it. I had women lose 10-20 lbs in the 3 month process to get there to do it. Then want to keep doing them to stay in shape. Also, all the women I worked with communicated with each other and motivated each other. Find some other women and issue a challenge, then you have to do it!!!! Your young age is your advantage!!!! I didn't start doing Tri's until I was 44. Best wishes.
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Andrew S. Written on: 2006-06-20 17:10:09 Message: You just finished step 1 Kati. You're here. Aks any question, even if you think it's a little goofy. It may be, but we've all and still do ask goofy questions. We're a little out there......all kidding aside. I weighed almost 240 when I started this. Down to the 2teens now. I'm slow and have never placed, and I don't care. I'm part of a great Tri Club, have life long friends, have met some of the most interesting and even eccentric people here on ONTRI, and love it. Welcome....You're among friends Remember...you can ask anything A. Oh....and GET YOUR BUTT OUT THERE AND DO IT!
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-20 17:10:25 Message: Kati, we all have to start somewhere.... You have to walk before you can run...and of course, that is all easier said than done. But guess what? You CAN DO IT! Yes, get your butt out there and do it! As you very eloquently put it! Ha! Ha! Go to a pool and start swimming laps, your goal for everything would have to be to increase the time in small increments. Try to swim from one side to the pool to the other first, then if you succeed, go from one side to the pool to the other twice...etc...Do not get discourged...all beginnings are difficult...think about your children when they were learning to walk...they fell...they stumbled....the held on to things and little by little they learned how to stand on their own. Training for Triathlons and doing a race is the same thing. Get out there and start doing things....swimming, biking, running. If you can't run, start walking then running and increase your running time little by little (5 minutes at a time). Biking-same thing...go for a ride for 5 miles, then 7 miles, then 10 miles. The key in not doing too much too soon is to only increase your time or mileage by 5% every week (I think...someone correct me if I am wrong...). The best of luck to you. Have fun training! Jael
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Ronald F. Written on: 2006-06-20 17:13:55 Message: Sometimes the answer is within. I think you just answered your own question in your last sentence. " just get out there and do it" Make some time for yourself it will be better for everyone around you cause like they say. " If moma ain't happy ain't nobody happy". Ron
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Paul B. Written on: 2006-06-20 17:57:51 Message: Kati-- DO IT. You will not regret it. Whether you really want to race or not, having the goal set will motivate you to get outside and get moving. I'm 50 pounds lighter than when I started (just a couple shy of the goal) and I'm in better shape (and feel it too) than I've ever been. If you hit down times in your training, look here for support and answers. Welcome to the club. RON-- Not to hijack this post, but your new picture is by far the coolest thing I've seen lately...and you look just as happy as you should be. Congrats again. Paul.
Subject: Kati~ By: Dan W. Written on: 2006-06-20 21:57:58 Message: I just started tri-training in January. Like you, I'm 29, and although I wasn't overweight, I was definitely stressed out about some things. As a result, I wasn't focusing well, which made me more stressed out, which hurt my focus... I had the same newbie jitters as you. I wasn't a very good swimmer (I could get to shore if you threw me out of the boat), I didn't really like bikes, and my right leg got messed up if I ran more than a couple of miles (remember Forrest Gump running with the wooden leg brace? That was me, but without the brace). Other than being incapable of performing the 3 events, I was all set! My point is, we all go through the jitters and doubts. If you want to do it, commit to yourself that you will, and everything else will fall into place. I for myself can say that I'm doing better at work (I sell real estate), and am more focused on other activities as well because of tri training - it's amazing how many of the lessons and good habits carry over. I've mentioned my sales trainer before. Below is a link to a story about him after his first Ironman in Hawaii - he ended up going back a second time. You don't have to set Hawaii as a goal, but I think you might reading about what he had to overcome and where he was mentally when he started. http://www.nfbnet.org/pipermail/blindtlk/2005-January/002516.html YOU CAN DO THIS - good luck and let us know how it goes!
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Leo d. Written on: 2006-06-20 22:19:40 Message: Katie, Just starting the training is a huge accomplishment. Get to the gym, put on your sneaks and you'll be fine! Make this website your daily bread, (and forgive us our....sorry just kiddin') Ontri.com has helped many newbies like myself. I have been on this website for 5 months and let me tell you, it is more than a website. It will become your lifestyle, coach, training partner, Q&A, MedWeb, etc, etc. Need some motivation, advice, training schedules, or just vent....tri otri.com and you will definetely succeed! Good luck with your training and make sure to check ontri.com daily! Leo D.
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Stacie J. Written on: 2006-06-20 23:31:40 Message: Hi Kati! Welcome to the club! One of the things that helps keep me motivated is involving my son in my training. I spent money on a good baby jogger and a trailer for the bicycle. My son gets very excited about going on runs and rides -- he is disappointed when we don't go and I really hear about it (he's 2). I think, overall, that is my biggest motivator to keep training. And then I don't feel like I'm neglecting him by training. I don't know the ages and abilities of your kids, but I would recommend trying to fit them into your new lifestyle however possible (if they're older, maybe they could play at the pool while you swim?). If your family buys in, it's easier for everyone. We're glad you're here!
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Shelly R. Written on: 2006-06-20 23:57:40 Message: I was definitely out of shape when I started this, and after a few months still am not in the best of shape. I used a 'couch to sprint' program and tailored it to my needs. Plus, it definitely helps to have a training buddy... I know I wouldn't be getting my bum out swimming unless Stacie was there waiting to kick my butt in the pond. Welcome to the club! You'll find that there are a bunch of new triiers and great experienced triiers that are always willing to give helpful advice or just to encourage. I definitely encourage you to post any time you have a question, no matter how crazy or silly it may seem to you, I'm sure someone else will have the same one. Good luck!
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: julie w. Written on: 2006-06-21 00:33:15 Message: Kati, I am 32 and just finished my 1st at our Austin's Danskin(not fast, just a finish!). I haven't done anything for myself in 6 years...the age of my oldest son. It feels great...you can do it too! Most of my workouts occur at 5:30-6:00 am because that is the only guaranteed time my husband can be home with my 4 kids. It's hard to get out of bed when the alarm goes off, but it feels great not to be quite so "mushy" anymore(I'll gladly trade the sleep for the body confidence!). I am working on the pounds too, quite a few need to fall off my backside! So, yes, there are lots of us out there just like you. As for the newbie jitters...I just took it one day/workout at a time. If I looked at the big picture, I got totally jittery. Good luck! Julie W
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Jenna K. Written on: 2006-06-21 00:43:40 Message: Somewhat similar situation. I was approaching out of shape when I signed up for my first tri in early spring (the tri isn't until July 23rd). I had completed 2 12-hour adventure races between the birth of my 1 and 3 year old but man after my second son I didn't feel like I bounced back as fast. My adventure racing partner moved so I started looking into tris. I'm actually very excited now about training and racing just for myself...hey we moms don't get much for ourselves. I definitely have newbie jitters and have thought several times about not doing it, because I'm afaird of finishing last, but now my excitement and interest in training better and harder has taken over. I now crave a good run, a fast bike ride, and even a long swim...you'll feel that stress pouring out with the sweat. And you'll start to have more energy for the kids and yourself. I know I am a much better mommmy, more active with my kids and less stressed, now that I'm training for this...for something I want to do for me. And you can't beat that it would be such an inspiration to your kids to have an active mommy. I use a training program from this site and it has really helped me focus. You'll love what training for a tri will do for your mind, spirit, and body. GO FOR IT!!
Subject: RE: Out of Shape Mama By: Carie M. Written on: 2006-06-21 13:35:10 Message: You are not alone. Not at all... You are in very good company and you my friend have come to the right place! The training plans on this site are very good - but the first thing you gotta do is allocate a block of time for yourself and don't make any apologies about it. The world will not come crashing down if you're gone for an hour on your bike ride... it's important to make yourself a priorty in your own life, it not only helps you but it helps your family too by being a great role model and it puts you in a much better state of mind when you feel good. My husband remarked the other day that I'm my "old" self again and I'm a lot more fun to be around than I was a few months ago -- since I've been watching my diet & doing this training. It's no mystery - I finally feel good about myself again. You will be amazed at how quickly it all starts to fall in place. As for jitters- you'd be the first if you didn't have them! I think it's awesome that you're ready to Tri!!!
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