2015 IM Chatanooga Official Welcome and Introductory Thread

Brenda Ross

Welcome to the Sign In Thread!

Please use this thread to introduce yourself to your fellow teammates, telling us a little bit about you, your goals for the race, etc!

kimmydct

Signing in for ChooChoo! 2nd IM (first was IMFL in 2012). Goal for first IM was to finish. Mission accomplished so now I'm looking for some significant improvement. I'll be doing the EN IMChoo camp In August.

mkerutis

I'm a late bloomer when it comes to athletics.  I started 5 years ago at the age of 42, and I'm just an average, middle of the pack guy with big dreams of crossing the finish at IMCHOO.

To prepare for IMCHOO, I'm planning on Chattanooga 70.3 and the Chattanooga training camp.  I look forward to interacting with all of you online and meeting you in person at one of those events and/or IM weekend.  I wish everyone all the best in the new year and in your upcoming training!

Favorite marathon: Disney World   Favorite 70.3:  Augusta   Favorite thing to do after a long workout:  Watch movies from the 80's

AnnSloan

Hi guys!

Late bloomer to....and mid/back packer. This will be IM #3 for me...Penticton, CDA and Whistler. Started Tahoe, but bailed at the run....dumb to attempt 4 weeks after whistler.

Using EN for Whistler helped me shave an hour off my run time!! Finished Whistler in 14:10 was super pleased with the race.

I'll be coming out for the training camp. Doing a local 1/2 Iron in May to prepare...along with just following the plan.

Tom Box

Hello everyone. IM Chattanooga will be my 11th ironman. My goal of getting 12 under my belt and entering the Kona legacy lottery is getting closer. My last two Ironmans I have finished 6th in my age group so my goal this time around is to get in the top 5 and on the podium. I'm doing Florida 70.3 in April, then a get faster plan and then drop into the IM training in last June. I would love to go to the camp but just can't get the time off work at that time in the summer. Looking forward to meeting everyone and interacting online over the next few months.

Brent Pilon

Hi everyone!   I'm really looking forward to IMCHOO. This is my 4th year with EN and loving it.  I'm signed up for 2 IMs this year…IMMT and IMCHOO.   my goal is to go sub 11 hours this year   I've been working on my running and feel that this year, training is going well and sub 11 is an attainable goal!   getting lots of mojo from my ottawa sleeper cell and its far off affiliates   looking forward to seeing many team mates at the races this year.

brandondu

Hey Everyone,

Post #1 for me.  I'll be doing my first full IM at Chattanooga this year!  I have done a few 70.3, half marathons, and a full marathon in the past.  My goal was to complete a full before I turn 40 and I will be 39 at race time.  I think I can go under 13 hours but my goal is to cross the finish line more than a time goal!  I hope to go to the camp in August but am not sure just yet.

I look forward to a good year of training and to working hard with all of you.

Thanks

Brandon 

[Deleted User]

Hi fellow IM Choo peeps!
IM Chattanooga will be my 4th IM. IMNY/NJ and Kona in 2012 and IMMD in 2014. Big improvement at IMMD from my years with EN and learning how to execute! Have scheduled Eagleman 70.3 in June, two weeks later is Challenge AC Aquabike, and then Timberman 70.3 in August. I aged up this year to the "really old lady" category (65-69) so I'm hoping that no one else shows up in my age group:-) Should be lots of fun with all the EN'ers down there!

scott dinhofer

Hey all, My name is Scott & I am an Ironman (couldn't resist!)
Choo will be my 7th IM (assuming I finish LP in July)

Looking forward to sharing the course and training mojo with everyone here!

kadler

Hey all, My name is Ken & I am friends with a 5X Ironman who is also doing Choo
Choo will be my 1st IM (assuming I survive the training)

Looking forward to sharing what I got and absolutely receiving the course and training mojo from Scott!

Brenda Ross

Hi guys, this will be my 2nd IM. My first with IMWisconsin where I had a great time and really enjoyed myself. Last year was IM Mont Tremblant where I finished the swim and bike, but did not start the run due to hypothermia. It is hard to fight the DNF demons, but I will do my best to stay on track and trust the training.

Kane Murphy

Hi, This will be IM #1 for me. I haven't even done a complete half (only relay teams) or a stand alone marathon. The Brandon fellow from a few posts up talked me into this about a year ago. Now we are on our way. See some of you at the training camp in August.

Emily Brinkley

Hi gang - This will be my 2nd IM. I completed IMTX last year with EN. My goals for Chattanooga is to go sub 11, which means I've got some work to do on my run.

I raced Raleigh 70.3 at the beginning of the month, and I've got BSG 100 this weekend in Boone, NC. After that it's camp in Choo and then RACE DAY!

Look forward to training with all of as we build up to September!

Pat Ward

Choo will be Ironman number 9. 

In April this year I completed Ironman Taiwan.Hot, Humid, hilly!!

I live and work in Shanghai China. Training is a challenge but I have been here a couple of years and have it down pretty well.

I'm 12 hours ahead of the rest of the group. I'm on Strava and post all my workouts. 

I'm also on Facebook, I tunnel under the curtain.

I had taken a year off from the EN group and I'm happy to be back.

Coach Rich

Hey all,

Looking forward to being there with you on race weekend, including our Four Keys talk Friday at the Doubletree and offering a camp for you on the course in August!

Michael Crosby

Hey Team,

CHOO will be my 2nd IM.  I raced IM Texas in 2014 as a member of Endurance Nation.  I was really pleased with an 11:53:51, but felt like I raced a little conservatively, as my main goal was just to finish.  I know CHOO is a different course, but I would like to go sub-11 hours for this one.  

My run is pretty good, and sounds like it will be challenged on this course.  I think there is some speed to be found on the bike, so I look forward to CHOO Camp to do recon.  My swim is my achilles heel, so here's to hoping the Tennessee Valley Authority doesn't restrict the river flow at the request of the WTC folks. 

Look forward to meeting some of you at camp and the rest of you during race week.

Cheers!

[Deleted User]

Hi, all!  Starting to get excited and a little scared!  IMCHOO will be my second IM ... after a layoff of almost 15 years (last IM was Florida in 2001).  The past five or so years have all been "wait til next year" ... and next year has finally arrived!  I'm going to be rocking solid BOP, just want to finish with a smile.  

Won't be able to get to the Camp -- already signed up to do a Big Day at Toughman Alabama that weekend.  But I can't wait to meet all of you!

Mariah Bridges

Hello fabulous EN athletes! Thank you for chiming in on the Welcome Thread. Head over to the CHOO Forum main page and check out my CHOO Administrative Race Captain Homework 2015 thread.... its from me..... its homework (you love that right?)

CHOO CHOO!

Jonathan Brown

Hey all,

This will be my second IM. I did Placid in 2013. I am scared as heck about the race because motivation is so behind of what it should be. I will get my act together and get excited soon enough.

Cant wait to see you all at camp.

LDuensing

Hi everyone:

I am doing IM Canada in 3 weeks, then will join all of you for TN 2 months later. I am told to not even think about this IM until Canada is done! Canada will be my second, and Chattanooga my 3rd.

Look forward to meeting all of you.

Lauren D

drjohnson08

Hey team! Checking in as we get ready to start training hard for this thing. Choo will be IM 4 for me. I've had a good season so far with PR's at Raleigh and then Syracuse. I'm hoping to do the same thing at Choo. I won't be able to make the camp but I plan on scheduling in at least 1 camp/BBW focus on my own. I'm looking forward to following everyone's training, reading all the posts in the weekly threads and then meeting everyone and sharing the course with you all! Lets do this!

vrk3ds

Hey Choo Peeps,

Checking in for this epic adventure! This will be my 3rd IM, and I am excited to see what the day brings. Can't wait to meet all of the other EN Ninja's that are joining in on the fun!

Woody Freese

Good afternoon all -

Seems a bit odd to be submitting an introductory blurb to this thread - for no real reason in particular, I have opted to fly under the radar this season. Not really sure where to begin, as so much has gone on/taken place over the past 11 months

I apologize, in advance, if you know the saga and I am repeating myself. Here are a few notes, in no particular order:


- If all goes according to plan, IM LP 2015 will be 30th IM finish w/ IM CHOO #31
- 2014 was my first LP DNF > had a minor hypothermia-induced (think uncontrollable shivering) crash shortly after the first Keene descent. The streak is over -
- Have been rebounding from Esprit Ironman-distance last September, when a young whipper-snapper passed me on the right, clipped my shoulder and took me me down hard - VERY HARD!
- When all was said/done, had a fractured scapula, fractured collarbone in 4 places (still have 3 plates & 11 screws) and 5 fractured ribs.
- Wouldn't wish this on anyone, ever!
- To add insult to further injury, near the end of the healing process (and right before Christmas), was in a car fender-bender - the shoulder-belt did exactly what it is supposed to do: stopped me from hitting the steering wheel. In the process, 3 ribs were re-fractured.
- To add further insult, pulled the bike down a few months ago and learned that the frame was cracked.
- Just started riding replacement bike last week - prior to that, 90% of cycling training on an old Klein trainer bike.
- Have had tremendous support from my wonderful partner, Sue - she has been a ROCK STAR! Thanks sweetie!
- Have been incredibly blessed and fortunate to be part of the EN family for a few years now - INCREDIBLY blessed - THANK YOU all!
- There is not a more amazing group of supportive Coaches, WSM's and teammates on the planet - again, THANK YOU for everything!
- LP 2015 will be a long, catered training day, in an effort to rebuild and restore confidence in the sport. Much of that was compromised since the crash.
- Simply want to cross the finish LP finish line w/ Dignity > I sure as hell hope and pray She (Dignity) shows up!
- The crash has prove to be as much emotional/psychological as it was physical - and hoping to conquer a few training and racing demons on Sunday, 26 July!
- Will be racing IM Chattanooga as a charity fundraiser for The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation's TEAM CHALLENGE.
- One bright spot: I was selected to be a member of the Ironman Foundation - Newton Running Ambassador Team (The only Massachusetts athlete selected)
- Will need to figure out a way to incorporate the EN logo within my IMF-NRA uniform, as we have to wear the IMF-NRA team kit.
- Very much looking forward to seeing old friends/teammates - and meeting new teammates.
- If this is your first IM: savor EVERY moment!
- If you are a IM vet, PLEASE pray for better weather than we had last year!
- Do not forget to thank your family and friends - they have been essential in helping you get where you are today!

Bring it > BOOM!

[Deleted User]

Woot Woot, Chattanooga!! This will be my 4th IM and I've heard really great things about this course from my NJ groupies who participated last year. Can't make the camp (boo) but really looking forward to hanging out with all of you ENers down in Tennessee! Hope everyone's training is going well and we all will be in great form to kick some EN butt down there!
Woody, it will be so great to see you again! Good luck at LP and we'll see you at IMCHOO!

Woody Freese

RAFFLE TIME!!! My Ironman Foundation – Newton Running Ambassador Tri Team For Good Fundraising Raffle starts today!

Tickets are:
- 1 raffle ticket > $20
- 3 raffle tickets > $50
- 7 raffle tickets > $100
- 15 raffle tickets > $200

If you have a need/want to purchase more than 15 tickets, please let me know -

The raffle will run from today until Sunday, 16 August, 2015 at 5 p.m. - when names will be drawn randomly.

Prizes include the following:

> 2 sets of two tickets to a Red Sox game at Fenway Park (one pair per winner)
> 1 pair of Newton running shoes
> 1 pair of Roka X-1 swim goggles
> 2 pair of Asics running shoes (one pair per winner)
> Marathon Sports $100 gift certificate
> Marathon Sports gift certificate: 1 pair of shoes of your choice
> 2 Asics gym bags with Asics gear
> A Tom-Tom GPS watch w/ Heart Rate Monitor
> A TYR Lake Placid Backpack
> More prizes on the way!!

All proceeds go to Ironman Chattanooga's Ironman Foundation's charity of choice: The Chattanooga Food Bank. Donations can be made via Pay Pal (wrfreese@yahoo.com). If you do not have a Pay Pal account, send me a PM and we can make arrangements to transfer funds

Please let me know if you have any questions –

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

Steve Ross

Hey Choo gangster's time to chime in here . My name is Steve and I am your race director's worse half(Brenda). I have been laying low off the forums this year but trolling and reading alot. IMMCHOO will be my 11th, so legacy(my only potential way) is getting closer fingers crossed. I have no goals "just to have a solid honest day" confirming my training got me to the finishline.As well meet, greet, and renew old friendships. Two months to go so solid and safe trg to all !

Scott Alexander

Anyone by chance have extra floor space for a camper (who's also willing to sherpa) for IMCHOO? I've got my own sleeping bag and pad, so I don't need a bed. Just space for me and my bike!

I can be there late Thu or Fri, thru Monday morning (signing up for 2016).

Let me know! Road trip!

jonmcdougal

Guess I missed the first email about this thread so I'm terribly late. But looks like I'll be marching in the back of the pack from all the other introductions. First time Full IM for me. Middle aged, full time computer nerd trying to make up for decades of lethargy and poor health by turning to endurance events. I've done one half IM, severl century+ bike events, and about two dozen smaller (sprint + Olympic triathlons. Live & train in South Mississippi. Been struggling with the heat/humidity as of late. I'll be thrilled if I can finish in 13:XX:XX. Looking forward to the IMChoo training camp in a couple of weeks.

-Jon

Mike Blackburn

Hi everyone!  This is Mike Blackburn.  I just turned 50 and this will be my 8th Ironman, (as long as I survive IM Mont Tremblant in 5 days!)  I plan to arrive in town on Thursday and at this point plan to be by myself.  I am excited to meet everyone and represent Team EN!  Hope to see you at the dinner on Thursday night!

Mike

drjohnson08

@Jon, I wouldn't call a 13:XX:XX finish back of the pack! Follow the plan and execution guidelines and you will have a great day out there!

@Mike, good luck at IMMT this weekend! See you down in CHOO!

Rich Stanbaugh

Hi - Rich Stanbaugh - this race just looked like way too much fun to miss, so I signed up earlier this week. See you all in a few weeks!