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Hi - I am just getting started

kviehe1kviehe1
in General Training Discussions

 Hello Ladies,

My name is Keri and I just joined.  I am a total beginner at triathlons.  I am doing my very first one in May.  I am super excited as well as a little nervous.  Hopefully I have not bitten off more than I can chew.  I have run 6 marathons, but my last was a disaster.  I had just had a baby and was running 60 miles a week.  I totally overtrained and didn't have anything in me on race day.  It was ugly.  I wasn't sure where to go with my running goals, so I decided to go in a completely different direction and signed up for  Racine 70.3 this summer.   I always knew that I would eventually get into triathlons as soon as my life would allow and things have worked out, so that now is the time.   

I love the philosophy of EN.  I am a stay at home Mom with a 5 year old, a 1 year old and a husband with a crazy busy schedule.  I need to make every second out there count.   I am definitely a little overwhelmed with all the triathlon lingo and information, but I am also loving it.  I am looking forward to this challenge and hearing about everyone else's journey.  There is nothing I enjoy more than talking about running (oh and maybe my family) and I can see triathlons becoming my new passion.

Comments

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Wow...you are going 0 to 70.3 in 10 seconds! I also came to triathlon after 26 years of running including 14 marathon starts and 10 finishes...so I understand marathon disaster...but the 10 I finished were between 2:29 and 2:53 ... back in the good old days! So you''ve got the endurance to complete as long as you are comfortable with the swim (and I'm guessing you are since you didn't say anything about it).

    Anyway, welcome to EN and all the best!
  • Kathy NKathy N

    Welcome Keri!

    Like Paul said, wow jumping right into a half as your first tri!!! Crazy   I am also a stay at home mom and in my 7th season training/racing tri's.  This is my second year with EN and I'm with you love their philosopy of training.  I trained last year for IMWI with a group of great chica's in the haus ( EN lingo for the women on the team)...it was so fun to have soo many training for the same race!  I hope you get a chance to meet  them, they are an awesome bunch of gals   I have raced Racine 3 times and have found it to be one of my fav half races!  The swim can be a little cold (one year it was 54!)  but I heard last year it was better.  I have not raced it since WTC made it a 70.3, some ENers said they improved it somewhat and other things stayed the same.  All in all, great race, great venue!

    Good luck with your training and feel free to ask questions, that is what the haus is for!  Take care

  • gigiboswellgigiboswell
    Welcome Keri! You're in the right place for training and support! And you'll do fine with Racine. I went from doing sprint tris only (Danskin) and several marathons to Ironman distance - nothing in between distance wise until the summer before my fall IManWI. Racine is a fun race. I've done it 6 times and it's a really well run race - good venue and volunteer support and swimming in Lake Michigan is a lot of fun! Plus you get bragging rights because very few people are willing to even test the waters! Lake Michigan is probably my favorite lake to swim in. You're also in such a great biking area (Hartland). I live on the east side of Milw (FLAT!!!) and we drive out to where you are to ride! Check out TriWI if you haven't already. While they don't do actual training plans they do offer some really good group rides, runs and open water swimming opportunities. I've been a member since 2002 when I did my first IManWI. It's a very supportive group and always have a huge presence at the local races. Good luck with your training and maybe I'll run into you on the roads!
  • Nemo BrauchNemo Brauch
    Welcome Keri! How exciting, a total Noobe! Lots of us went from Marathoner to Triathlete, it's a common progression so you are not alone. And Racine should be a fun race for your first one. It's well supported and usually has lots of ENers there. Looking forward to seeing you take on this new adventure.
  • rah2774rah2774

    Welcome, Keri!  I'm a marathoner with a triathlon problem, too!  So you're in very good company here.  I'd done 5 marathons before I started.  And I did a 70.3 as my third race (a sprint and an OLY one summer) then, blammo, opened season 2 with an OLY warm up for my first HIM.  I was hooked as I just did my first IM in season 3!  I would suggest trying to find a sprint or OLY before your HIM just to get a sense of the flow of the day and how transition works... but worry not, with your endurance background and the team you will be ready and will have a lot of fun!

    Join us in the women's thread ("What it takes... February 2011")!

  • dotcatlindotcatlin

    Hey Keri! We should keep in touch! I am in the Boston area, but hopefully we'll meet at some point. I have a very similar background to you: Am a mommy and do races to get me back in shape after pregnancy (and for lots of fun!). After baby # 1 I did a couple of marathons, after baby #2 I did a couple more marathans and threw in an HIM. Now, after baby #3 (6 months old on Tuesday) I plan on doing  a HIM or two and an IM. People call me crazy, but it's my thing, and I take it slow. I am a noobe to EN, just finishing my 3rd week of JOS and also a  bit caught up in all the terms, etc. But, I have learned so much in 3 weeks and you will too. Most of all, no one here thinks I'm crazy b/c they believe me! No matter how much time I put into training, I spend much more love on my family and keeping balanced. It's so great that you are taking time for you, and you know you will love seeing your kids at the races! Best of luck in your training. I look forward to keeping in touch!

    Dottie

  • manconamancona
    Welcome Keri!

    Racine was my first 70.3 about 5 years ago now after doing my first marathon the previous year. I did it last year when it became a WTC branded race and overall it was very improved, the only downside was that the cost more than doubled. It's a great one for your first 70.3.

    If you are comfortable with open water swimming and cycling, I think you will have no problem with it. In fact I find 70.3 training and racing easier to do then Marathon training/racing.

    If you are new to swimming or cycling you will still be fine but my suggestion would be to find a short local sprint triathlon in May or June to do first. This will let you get more comfortable at a short distance and with less people and hype. That way you will be relaxed and ready for Racine.
  • kviehe1kviehe1
    Thank you to everyone for all your encouragement. I am glad nobody told me that there was no way I was going to finish Racine. I am doing a sprint in May and an Oly in June for practice. I will be picking everyone's brains for all their race mistakes they made as a Noobe. It is also great to hear that so many of you did Racine. It will be good to have your input on that specific race.

    It is also good to hear from other Moms out there. Training with little ones is definitely a challenge. I currently have my bizzillionth cold of the winter thanks to my kids sneezing/slobbering all over me. Bring on some warmer weather!!!

    Gigi - Thanks for the info on TriWI. I will definitely look into it.

    Dottie - I am glad you are new to EN. It is a bit intimidating listening to everyone. I am also still trying to figure out how all these forums work. For example, I am not sure if I am responding to everyone or just you. I guess I will soon find out.

    Thanks again for the warm welcome and have a great weekend.
  • Michele CellaiMichele Cellai
    Keri- Welcome aboard! We are an inviting group and glad to have you join. Like Kathy, I was a part of the EN Chickas that took over IMWI and had a great time. It was a special year of training. This is a non IM year for me and many others. Life balance means one year I spend more time training for long races and the next year I train but spend more quality time at home and race nothing longer than HIM. I also don't pressure myself with time goals for the races- pretty much ever. I want to have fun.

    Unlike most folks, I always knew I wanted to race triathlon and just jumped into it. I have done a marathon and did not find it much fun. So for me, a run only race is a half mary or less.

    Give yourself time adjusting to the forums. Don't try to read it all.
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