I wanted to give some advice on how to succeed in your quest for endurance fitness. I was once where a lot of you are now, in fact some of you are further along than I was at the same point post WLS.

The first thing you must realize is that there are many who will tell you that it is not possible to accomplish what you want after WLS. If you listen to them then you will not. You must learn to think beyond conventional wisdom as fitness relates to WLS. Not only in the fitness and training but also in nutrition as it relates to training and event energy supply and also in recovery.

I will also tell you that when starting out many physical limitations may arise. Some caused by our surgery, some by years of being overweight and some by the fact we dont know how to properly train for and execute properly our chosen endurance event. The worst thing you can do is exercise using improper mechanics of movement and also if cycling ride on a bike that is not properly fit for you. Doing either or both will cause discomfort and possible permanent damage I know I was headed in that direction and was ready to give up. So what do you do?

One thing so many of us have trouble with is asserting ourselves and reaching out to those who could help us learn to train properly. The best people to learn from is those who are successful at the discipline we are trying to participate in. But they would never want to help someone like me? You would be surprised at how much help they are willing to give. If you are honest with them about where you were pre WLS, that you had WLS and what you wish to accomplish post WLS they will more than likely be the most encouraging supporters you will have. If you want to do marathons find a local running club, Cycling a bike club, triathlons and swimming likewise. Most clubs have beginner groups and workshops that usually have a senior club member running them and their insight and advice cannot have a price put on it. I was fotunate to have one of the most respected cycling coaches in the country(he is also an MD) and several state and national champions in my club. When they heard my story they went out of their way to help and I didnt even have to ask. Without the help of these club members and my sports nutritionist I would have given up long ago.

If you have a dream to compete then reach for that dream. It might be very difficult and seem impossible and may even be so. But here is the question you need to ask yourself. I have come this far did I come to this point to be a spectator or am I going to be a participant in life? The right choice will bring rewards beyond belief and so many doors will open up for you.

Just some thoughts that might help.

Well Damon this post couldn't be more timely. Talk about spooky! Let me explain (sit back and relax, I feel a novel coming on) . . .

4 weeks ago when I completed my first triathlon there was a pamphlet in our race pack advertising a local publishing company that publish books/guides on triathlons, walking, running, duathlons, fitness, cycling, etc and they also offer coaching www.kineli.co.nz if anyone is interested in the books which include ebooks. I ordered an ebook called "You Can Tri it" which is a beginners guide to triathlons. I found it very imformative and reassuring as I realised that my commonsense approach to this first event was pretty much on target. Naturally there was a lot more information for me to benefit by as well.

The week prior to the tri I had attended a swimming session at the local estuary which was run by the local Multisports Club where I met a guy called Ken. Little did I know at the time that he and his partner own this publishing and coaching company.

Anyway I touched base with him by email and met with him later that week. I told him my story of how I avoided any sort of sports and physical activity most of my life except for a couple of years of belonging to Masters Swimmers 15 years ago. He was quite intrigued with my WLS story and my triathlon participation. He said at the time that he normally trained athletes that are already competing at a fairly high level and want to up the level of endurance and type of events. He did say he would jot down a few tips for me to help me out. We left it at that.

The next day he rang me and said he'd been thinking about me the night before (I have that effect on men! hehe) and he'd really like to take me on as he feels I'd be a real challenge as I'm not his "normal" type of customer. Boy did he get that right! Ok.........so he was going away on holiday for a couple of weeks and we talked about what I was planning on doing exercise wise while he was away. He said it sounded pretty good and wished me well. We caught up again this week by email and phone and we're meeting on Friday night.

So..........the real reason why your message was so timely is that he has sent through an official training outline tonight and of course, for the first time, money was mentioned. Now I knew this wasn't going to be free but I had no idea how much it was going to cost. For what appears to be a very good training and support programme he charges $NZ150 per month (I think thats about $US120). Now I was thinking "Oh my gosh I can't afford this" but when you break it down to a weekly payment, the fact that I am on pretty good wages, and having read your post, I'm thinking that $37.50 a week isn't too much to ask.

If you're interested could I email you his outline for your opinion? I would appreciate your input as someone who has gone before me and has experience with professional coaches. Please PM me your email address if you're prepared to do this for me.

Sorry about the novel people but I am serious about getting fit and I am enjoying the triathlons. My goal for next summer is to compete in the long course events rather than the short course ones I'm currently doing.

This is Ken's profile from his websiteKEN MACLAREN


"Ken has been involved in running since the early seventies. As a runner he competed at club and county level before turning his attentions to triathlons in the mid eighties. As a triathlete he competed internationally for Great Britain in the World and European Championships. He also raced for Wales representing and captaining the Welsh triathlon team at the Commonwealth Games triathlon in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990. In 1991 he led the Welsh team to individual and team wins in the Home Countries Triathlon Championships.

For a few years he was a full time athlete before deciding it was time to have a 'proper job'.

He writes regularly for 220, a British Triathlon Magazine. As well as writing, he is a regular race commentator in New Zealand, Australia and the U.K."


I look forward to hearing from you Damon.

Kind regards
Barbara

PS The Nutritionist attached to my surgeon specialised in sports nutrition and is also a marathon runner herself so she is ready, willing and able to assist whenever I ask.

Damon, this is a very thought provoking post. Not just for people who aspire to be competitive athletes, but for anyone who wants to succeed. Training is key to success in anything that we choose to do in life. Trial and error won't work for post WLS patients. We do have special needs and need to accept that. I must say that I truly admire where you have come to in your quest but people need to realize that your attitude and committment will carry over into any phase of their lives.

Thank you for a very informative post.