Sprint Triatholon
I was at a neighborhood party a few months ago and I challenged all my neighbors (we had a few beers going) saying, If I do a sprint next year will you join me. They all laughed and said sure cause they looked at my body an knew I would never do it. A couple weeks later, they weren't laughing quite as hard when they found out I was having this surgery and was very much serious about it. I did have fun messing with them around this and will challenge them to follow through. A couple of them will probably still do it.
So......
My question for you guys that have done this: What is a good way to begin training for this for WLS folk? I"m a pretty good swimmer and I could walk 3 miles right now. Running is another story as it is hard on my bouncing stomach and legs right now. I have a comfort bike that I could probably ride for 6 miles right now. The running and bike will be the hardest part.
I do have a membership at the YMCA so over the winter months I can work on all three of these things indoors. I just don't know how to get started.
Stephan
I started by getting myself some good compression undergarments. You can buy under armor or you can get the ones from Wal-Mart. It really doesn't matter, as long as you get some good strech out of them. This will seriously help with the bouncing stomach and chesticles (man boobs). Get both the pants and the shirt. I have one pair of pants that goes all the way down to my ankles. This really helps a lot, it keeps the stomach in place and helps keep the legs from rubbing. The bouncing stomach, chest and legs are probably the most irritating part of exercising for me. It really makes it difficult. The pants and shirt sure make all the difference for me.
I started my running plan with the couch to 5k guide, which you can see here http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml
I thought I was a good swimmer too until I got into the Y and started swimming laps. I also found that as I lost weight, my swimming got harder. You don't float as well.
Take it nice and slow, don't hurt yourself, and try to keep yourself motivated. If you can try to work in some bricks. That is where you double up on some of the exercise routines. i.e. ride then run. You will probably find that your legs don't seem to want to work right for running after you have a longer bike ride. They just won't feel right.
I have used the Y to run a couple of the sprints on my own. Obviously it will be slower at the Y due to having to change out of swim gear and being dry before you head into the weight room, but it can give you a nice little simulation. At least once a week I try to do this at 1/2 the distance I am going to do on race day.
Good luck
Scott
The first time you do something - It's going to be a personal record!
Stephan congrats on your goal to do a triathlon. Triathlon is rewarding and quite addictive. As Seht mentioned, compression gear is a lifesaver for the former fatboy crowd. I've worn a compression top and bottom for every race I've done this year. They hold everything and keep it from flopping around.
Do a search in your area and see if you have a local triathlon club. If you do then join it. Triathlon is a solo sport but it's nice to have some like minded folks to train and race with. You will probably have some elitist, highly competitive guys in your group that just don't understand the COMPLETE not COMPETE mantra that we former fattys have as goals for races but they will eventually come around. :)
As far as the training goes just take it easy and take it slow. Don't increase your distances in any of the disciplines by more than 10% a week and be sure to get ample rest to allow your body to heal after a hard training week. Before you know it you'll race will be on the horizon and you'll be ready to go.
Best of luck on your journey!
Chad
www.team464.com
