Barb Noverini Senior Research Analyst - Stock Brokerage Firm
Goals Achieved:To stick with a training program, lose weight, and figure out how to fit exercise into my busy life... it's been 2.5 years and counting and I am still going strong!
Races completed:
Danskin Sprint Triathlon: 2005, 2006, & 2007
Pleasant Prairie Sprint Triathlon: 2005 & 2006
Lincolnwood Turkey Trot 10K: 2006
Various 5Ks
How TFP Helped Me Reach My Goals: Just a couple of years ago, I was in the middle of my master's program, barely exercised, and was at my heaviest weight ever. The fact that I was a Public Health grad student was the biggest irony of all. That winter, I had received a marketing email from Matt describing a triathlon program in my subdivision. I decided to join the program in order to combat the weight. I had no intention to actually complete the triathlon. I thought that was optional (Ha! I didn't know Matt). I figured that a weekly commitment with a workout group would help me practice what I preached in public health. Fast forward five months later... I was enjoying our run and bike practices immensely... but I had avoided the swim sessions. Why? I really didn't know how to swim. Our first session in the pool was so embarrassing to me that I decided I was a lost cause. I didn't want to do the triathlon anyway, right? I have to give credit to Matt and to my training group, because they made the sessions so fun that at that moment, I literally had to sink or swim. My whole group was excited about doing the Danskin, and I couldn't bear being left behind. So, I came clean to Matt. I scheduled a private session, admitted that I couldn't really swim, and told him that I probably wouldn't participate in Danskin. Well, of course, Matt would have none of that. He immediately had me in the water, and basically ordered me to swim. I was a little taken aback, frightened, and horrified that he was going to have to pull me out of the water in some dramatic rescue scene. So, I swam... or at least tried to swim as best as I could. An hour later, with Matt's instruction and encouragement, I kind of had it down. Instead of doggy-paddling, I was doing a (rather inefficient) front crawl and keeping my head in the water. I can still remember hearing Matt's enthusiastic "woos!" echoing across the water as I actually swam away from him for the first time! Just one short month later, I completed my first sprint triathlon, and the swim was my favorite part. Matt, and everyone in my training group, taught me that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. It's a lesson I continue to learn as I increase my training goals and take on more difficult challenges. Before training with TFP, I had never been athletic. I was always the kind of person who hated running and would much rather spend time reading or sleeping or surfing the web. Now, I actually call myself an athlete. I think training for a triathlon is the best way to spend the summer (huh? who are you??). I might not be the best athlete, but I've made exercise and training a priority in my life, and have managed to do so consistently for over two years - and a bonus is that my husband started exercising with TFP after seeing how much fun I was having. Yeah! It's a lifestyle change that I hope will inspire others to realize they can do it, too!
What's Next?I am training for my first Olympic Distance triathlon! In the fall, I'd like to focus on running, continue to get faster, and progress to a half-marathon. i've also discovered that I really love my bike, so maybe a Century will be in my future. Really, the possibilities are endless, aren't they? I truly plan to be one of those awesome ladies that crosses a triathlon finish line when they are in their 80s.
What advice do you have for other TFP Athletes? So much of this stuff is mental. Of course, physical ability matters. Training matters. However, there is nothing that can derail your training faster than negative attitudes. I still battle with feelings of self-doubt quite often; however, I keep reminding myself that my biggest competitor is myself. If allowing people to pass me means that I train properly and avoid injury, that is much better. Learn to celebrate the little victories; they add up over time and make you stronger. Also, take advantage of the technology available to you through TFP. Doing my EMR for running really opened my eyes about heart rate training. I am a true believer now. Tracking these stats and following training plans on Training Peaks online really help me feel engaged in my training programs, and also help me learn how all of the different factors affect my fitness. Technology makes training so personal and interactive now - it's awesome!
Nominated by: Terry Wrzesinski I chose Barb because she has the depth of determination needed to reach her goals. She has always been determined to perform better every season, every session, and at each event. In all of our training sessions, Barb pushes herself to her limit and takes a few of us along with her for the ride, which is great. She also comes to the sessions with wonderful humor and attitude! She also really good at using technology to supplement her training; when it comes to technology, she tops Bill Gates. Well, I would like to see him compete in a triathlon....so she has a lot going for her. Keep up the good work Barb!
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