First Timer - Triathlon Week

MizzouTriGuy · 01-04-2006, 03:41 PM

Hey everybody. My name is Greg, and I am a 19 year old sophomore journalism student at the University of Missouri, originally from outside Dallas, TX. I'm a sportswriter for a campus newspaper, and cohost a sports talk radio show. Today, January 4th, 2006, at 3:46pm, at the Coppell Family YMCA, I made a pledge to myself that before the year was through, I will have completed an Olympic triathlon.
I'm terrified.
I'm doing it for a number of reasons. A month ago, I broke a bone in my ankle playing basketball and have been completely lethargic until today, the first time I worked out since. I want to get back in shape, and need something to drive me. I also want to prove that I can do this.
Ever since about 6th grade, I've been the chubby kid, the kid who was a little overweight. After six years of football (middle school and high school...this is Texas, after all), I was in decent shape: 6'2, a little over 200 lbs. Since my ankle injury, I've found myself between 210 and 215. I want to prove to myself that I can get into great shape and accomplish something that I would have never dreamed of before: an Olympic triathlon.
Yeah, I'm terrified.
But I'm also committed.
Any tips would be greatly appreciated, and trust me: any advice will be soaked up.

I look forward to talking with you guys and gals over the upcoming months!
-MizzouTriGuy (but you can call me Greg)

Carpe Diem · 01-05-2006, 09:17 AM

Good morning Greg,

Welcome to this site...you can read the enthusiasm in the many posts here and gain courage! I have a difficult time imaging a 6'2, 200 lbs. plus football playing TEXAN being terrified of a little swim, bike run. I suspect you, 19 and having a gift with words shoulda get a lot of attention from the ladies with your vulnerable scared lines. But, your not fooling me...I'm sure you'll be a force to recon with out there on the OlympicTriathlon.

Spike10 · 01-05-2006, 09:33 AM

Greg, in response to the last line in your post, the best way not to quit is to commit, so get yourself signed up for that race NOW!!!, this will give you a time limit for getting it all done. Next thing is to get yourself organized and start the training, I have said this countless times to others starting out, "start slow and build up", this is the best way to avoid injury and to let your body adapt. Let us know how things are going and what race you decide on, you will only get good advice, support, and cheers from us on this site, so get going and we will be here for you.
Spike.