Triathlon - In Over my head - Training for Wildflower - Introducing bigalerickson

Greetings,

This is my first thread that I am starting, I have been reading around a little bit, and am now ready to officially to introduce myself to all of you. I am a clydesdale to say the least, haven't ridden regularly since the the nineties, and am entering the Wildflower triathlon for the mountain bike event.

My History - fall of 2002 take a hit on the football field that retired me, summer 2003; back surgery. 14 day hospital stay. highlighted by waking up from the surgery without feeling in my arms or left leg. With the surgery a success, and rehab out of the way I take to the couch. I ate, drank, and watched tv until I was so bored I couldn't take it anymore. Also during this time I started a very successful business, got engaged and broke the engagement off. Needless to say, I lead a relatively interesting, somewhat dramatic life. Fast forward to December 2006. I announce, half drunk, that I am going to enter a triathlon in 2007. Mind you, I have not had been physically fit since 2002, and haven't exercised at all in two years. My best friend Ryan directs me to the wildflower website, and I promptly enter in my credit card info, and just like that I am a traithlete :D

Some statistics - 12-2006 - 6'2" 334 lbs. the worst shape of my life. Just so you all know how bad I really am in over my head. My only good news - I have always been an excellent swimmer, and I have very strong legs. I am down to 310 lbs now, and feeling much more athletic. I am beginning to believe I will actually finish the event, even if it is in last place.


I am starting to get scared. I am currently training like a madman, which really feels terrific, as it has been so long. I look forward to getting to know all of you, and I am sure I am going to have some ridiculous questions along the way.

While this practically started out as a drunken dare, I have become passionate about doing this event. I have not had anything to train myself for in years. Nothing to push my body to its limits. This training, and opportunity has changed my life.

Cheers,

Alex
bigalerickson@gmail.com
Less than 50 days to Wildflower!

Welcome to Bikeforums, and the triathlon board in particular! Your story is inspirational, and I wish you the best in the race. Good luck in your training - but don't push yourself too hard! Injury can be the toughest opponent for someone who's going from a sedentary lifestyle to a very active one. Feel free to ask any questions you want - we'll be glad to assist you in your journey.

Big Al,

I know exactly what you're talking about. I've always been fairly active, but having something to train FOR makes all the difference in motivation and commitment. I'm a clyde also (barely - 205), and my first sprint tri was last June. I'm doing the Strawberry Fields in Oxnard this Sunday, as well as the Breath of Life in June and the Nautica Malibu in Sept. I'm completely hooked, and would love to step up to an Oly length, but not sure my rickety knees will handle that much running.

Beware of overtraining - the last thing you want is to not be able to give it your best effort due to overuse injury.

Best of luck, can't wait to read your race report!

Jim --- swim, bike run!

Big Al
Great to have you on board. Wow, you've already been through a lot. There is a lot of collective wisdom on this site. Wildflower is a trip. I went last year and it was the most challeging, but rewarding physical thing I've ever done.

Make sure you give your self some rest days, light weeks and a good taper. I did that and my outlook got even better.

Are you doing the long course,, the olympic or the moutain bike?

A. C.
:)