From Fat Slob To Fit Triathlete

“The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a lifetime! It is never too late to become what I might have been.”

Well that was the week that was and wasn’t!

So totally terrified of overdoing it so rested Monday and Tuesday and then arranged a little jaunt with Sue the Ironman. Now Sue has given me fantastic advice and support for the last goodness how many weeks and she suggested an easy run, at my pace, my choice of course and my duration. I thought it would be a good idea to do a slow 5k with hills. A course I have managed many times in the past but not since my dreaded “runner’s block.”

We set out pretty steady and by the time we’d got to the dreaded Hendy Road turning, where I had my block before I was ready to turn back. I felt awful. We ran back and by the time we got back to my house I felt a little better so we carried on. Then we carried on around the football field and walked back the last 100 yards or so. Throughout this Sue kept asking me if I wanted to walk but when I walk I can’t get going again so I declined.

When I got home my head was pounding. It wasn’t an ache but a pain. I had a bath, threw up and went to bed (at 8.30). I still felt rough as the proverbial bears bottom on Thursday  but munching paracetamol got me through.

I explained my dilemma to Sue about buying a wetsuit for the Deva Divas. She suggested posting a thread on Tri Talk. I was extremely dubious but as that’s where I found the lovely Sue I bowed to her superior knowledge and experience.

Very Overweight Lady Seeks Wetsuit To See Her Through

Hi, please don't laugh!
I'm a newbie doing my first Sprint in 10 days. I want to do an openwater in July.
I'm 5' 4" and weigh 210lb. I can't find a wetsuit anywhere.
I've lost 21lbs and would have hoped to lose another 42 by July but I need something now to train for openwater.
I'm confident by this time next year I'll be a "normal" size and will be happy to invest in something decent then. I just need something cheap and cheerful to get me through the next 3 months.
I've heard Tesco direct are doing wetsuits for £35. I know they're going to be too thick round the arms for any serious events but do you think they would be good enough to get me through?
Any advice gratefully accepted.
Thanks

Well to say I was overwhelmed with the response is understatement of the centaury. Not only was I given brilliant advice but offered not 1 but 2 wetsuits – how brilliant is that? The Tri community are incredibly generous with their time and resources.

It’s been said to me time and time again but this is what was posted to me on Tri talk

Good luck with the race in 10 days Lynne!

a) don't compare yourself to others
b) don't worry what people think
c) make sure your having fun.

Back to training…

Went out at 7.20 yesterday to attempt the hilly 5K loop. Got to my runners block and had to walk AGAIN. Walked to the top of the hill. Got my heart rate down and ran the rest of the loop without a problem in a PB of 41.28 (my previous was over 50 and that was running the whole loop) just goes to show. Should listen to those who’ve been there and done it!

What will I be doing exactly one week today? Having my numbers drawn on my arm and thigh? Quaking in my trainers?

I’ve got 2 brick sessions planned for this week, a spray tan on Saturday and early nights all week. I can do no more.

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• #1 Comment from teresathrs 
  23/04/08 11:58 | Permalink

  TriTalk is great isnt it?
  They were really friendly to me too when I had questions.  I'll look out for you if I'm in there :)
  
  Good Luck with the race on Saturday!  All the hard work is in the bag now.  Now you just have to run your own race and enjoy it!
  
  And dont forget to take pictures!
  
  :)
  
  WooHoo!