Athletes Profile - Linda
Occupation: Consultant
Personal Info: I had lost weight through diet in 2006 and had set a goal for myself to start to become more active in 2007 and try to get off some of the medications that often become necessary with a sedentary lifestyle. Going it alone was not working for me. I didn't have the self-discipline to workout on a consistent basis. At 46, I was worried about the effects of aging that I had seen with my parents, the heart disease that runs in my family, and knew I needed to do something.
Why I chose Coach Sway: Then I received an email from one of the mom's (Consuela) from my son's athletic team concerning participating in a Triathlon. I immediately was interested. I knew I would be training with some women at my fitness level. Plus, I knew I would be motivated by the idea of having an event to get ready for. The first few weeks were very rough, but, Consuela stayed positive. I had my doubts I could do this. I had never participated in any endurance sports in my life. I was the least fit of the group. My muscles ached badly at first, but I kept at it with Coach Sway's encouragement. I was working out five days a week, but, took it slowly, gradually adding more time and distance. Sway has been very good about instructing me on stretching, form, and the technical details you need to learn, for biking especially.
Goals/Accomplishments: I am now six weeks into training and am sure I can complete the race. I'm also feeling so much better about my body and have more energy overall. I can actually jog two miles! I had been a great swimmer in my teens and I feel those skills coming back to me. My biking distances are increasing as my overall aerobic fitness increases. Race Goal - Pineappleman Sprint Triathlon - June 1, 2008.
Something Interesting: The look on my teenage sons face when I told him I was going to participate in a triathlon was one of shock. Now I hope to see him at the finish line.