first triathlonites 2006-07 [Archive] - Women's Cycling Discussion Forums

eclectic

11-02-2006, 09:41 AM

I have just come over to this strand because as of yesterday I have decided to make doing a tri my next goal.

As I have been reading the posts I have learned there are a few of us newbies w/ a tri as a goal. I am starting this thread hoping to get other newbies on it so we can encourage each other, track our progress, and help each other - I am sure we all have different strengths.

to start: I am almost 50 (another 55 days), I already swim (but not in a lake) and I started cycling a year ago, I am not very fast but getting better. However as of today I can barely run 1/2 mile and even at that it is pretty slow (4 years ago I could run 3 agonizing 11 minute miles).

Medical dilemma - asthma but that is getting controlled better.

My strongest strength is swimming (too bad I read the race is never won on the swim portion :( - I was a lifeguard/instructor, I know good drills and workouts to help/fix/modify strokes. I have been swimming seriously (for a 45+ year old) under a coach for the past 5 years - but still - it has been in a pool not open water and my coach retired but I still have access to her expertise.

My goal is to do a tri by next July. The local one is 1k swim, 20k bike and 5 k run.

Join on in :D give your specs, strengths, weaknesses, goals, victories whatever else you can think of and let's try to help each other

KSH

11-02-2006, 09:52 AM

A tri by next July... and you have swimming down... you will be just fine!

Stick around here and you can chat with us about your training.

Also, www.beginnertriathlete.com, is a great site as well. You can join and get a free place to log all your workouts, and it's so cool to see your totals as the months go by!

Well, keep on the running, get the asthma under control and you will be good to go!

JmcG

11-02-2006, 10:48 AM

If your strongest sport is swimming, then you already have one up on most people doing tris! That's where most people struggle the most. And if you're confident in the pool, and can confidently close your eyes and still swim in a somewhat straight line without freaking out, and can occasionally lift your head without getting all disoriented, then you'll be fine in open water. My first open water event was a half ironman, and it went well. I went out and practiced the swim in the open water the day before the race just to get the initial panic of being in open water over with. So for race day I was good to go.

For the bike portion - just keep up your riding. You only get better with more mileage you put on your bike. The speed will eventually come and work in some speed intervals occasionally which will help your overall mph in the long run. For the running, do what you can. Remember - you can always walk a portion if you really really need to. And again, speed intervals in running helps your average speed increase over time!

Welcome to the triathlon community! It's a fun sport and will kick your butt into great shape! And if you're a little concerned about the event (having to walk, etc), sign up for a women's only event - they are great - fun and supportive atmosphere like no other I've been in - women cheering on fellow women triathletes even the last one through the finish line. I did Iron Girl last year and it was incredible.

If you have any questions or concerns, never feel like any question is a stupid one - they are all valid, especially b/c triathlon can be intimidating at first b/c there's so much to find out and know (what to wear? when to eat? where do i put my bib number on? etc etc).

eclectic

11-02-2006, 11:20 AM

WOW thanks already!

I think I can actually do this :D

HillSlugger

11-02-2006, 11:51 AM

I'm just finishing my first season of road riding (but I've been spinning on a trainer stand for a while) and decided to do the Iron Girl Columbia Triathlon in August (1k swim, 30k ride, 5k run). I ran cross country track (poorly) back in jr high. I've now done 3 training runs and am not yet at the point where I can actually run a full 2 miles but I'm improving each time out. I'm looking to either find a swim coach or take a "perfecting your stroke" class since I know the swimming is going to be the hardest part for me.

I can't believe I'm actually going to do this! I'm scared and excited!

BTW where DO I put on my bib number?!? :confused:

JmcG

11-02-2006, 12:11 PM

BTW where DO I put on my bib number?!? :confused:

The easiest way is to have your bib on a race belt. Here's an example (there are many companies that make these, this link was just the quickest for me to get to).
http://www.fuelbelt.com/racenumberbelt.html

You won't wear a bib for the swim, and typically you put the belt on at T1 before you get on the bike (some races don't require a # for the bike but I always put it on so I dont forget in T2). They usually want the number on your back. For the run, you usually turn the # around to the front. The race belt is much easier than trying to pin something on a shirt that you're trying to put on at the transition areas, etc. And what if you decide you're too hot to wear that shirt? So the race belt is the easiest thing to use!

Oh, and if you want a warmup race that's fun and challenging, do Tri to Win in the Sykesville area.
http://www.melanomaresource.org/raceoverview.htm
Lots of fun and the swim is in the pool. It's a sprint distance so will not be too taxing and will give you some strategies and pointers for the bigger race in August (I'm talking about Iron Girl of course). Oh and for Iron Girl, Princeton Sports has practice rides on the course every week starting a month or 2 before the race so you can really practice the hills and know the course well (practice what gears you need when, etc) and size up your competition - no, I'm just kidding - it's not a super competitive race at all and as I said before, it's such a warm atmosphere that it makes the race that much more fun. And they do brick workouts closer to the race too.

HillSlugger

11-02-2006, 12:35 PM

Oh, and if you want a warmup race that's fun and challenging, do Tri to Win in the Sykesville area.
http://www.melanomaresource.org/raceoverview.htm
Lots of fun and the swim is in the pool. It's a sprint distance so will not be too taxing and will give you some strategies and pointers for the bigger race in August (I'm talking about Iron Girl of course).
I was just looking at that one yesterday. How many participants? Do you know the date for 2007?

Oh and for Iron Girl, Princeton Sports has practice rides on the course every week starting a month or 2 before the race so you can really practice the hills and know the course well (practice what gears you need when, etc) and size up your competition - no, I'm just kidding - it's not a super competitive race at all and as I said before, it's such a warm atmosphere that it makes the race that much more fun. And they do brick workouts closer to the race too.
I've ridden the course once already on my own. I'll probably try to get in one a month starting in the spring and do some as bike/run bricks. I'm not looking to be competitive but I'd like to know I can actually complete the event. One of my modest goals is to not have to walk any of the ride or run.

Are there any places to practice the open water swim?

Why is it called a "brick"?

JmcG

11-02-2006, 12:43 PM

I was just looking at that one yesterday. How many participants? Do you know the date for 2007?

I've ridden the course once already on my own. I'll probably try to get in one a month starting in the spring and do some as bike/run bricks. I'm not looking to be competitive but I'd like to know I can actually complete the event. One of my modest goals is to not have to walk any of the ride or run.

Are there any places to practice the open water swim?

Why is it called a "brick"?

The Tri to Win date - I dont know it for 2007 - I don't think they've posted it b/c I haven't been able to find it. I think there were just a few hundred participants. It was great - the course was never crowded!

For Iron Girl - they opened up the lake the day 2 days before the race for a practice swim. Many people took advantage of it (I wasn't able to go but know people who did). It really helped anxieties of many first timers (I think half the field were first timers).

Why is it called a brick? That's what it feels like is attached to your legs when you get off the bike and start to run....no I read somewhere that the person who first started implementing the training technique (and made it popular) of practicing bike-to-run had a last name of Brick. Correct me if I'm wrong, b/c I probably am!

tygab

11-02-2006, 12:47 PM

brick... i have heard or thought

Bike + run= ick ... or
brick = what your legs feel like after ... or
brick= building one workout on top of another.

you choose. more from me later.

Offthegrid

11-02-2006, 03:38 PM

Eclectic, you're going to have so much fun! I did a tri in 2004 (very slowly) and again in 2005 (still very slowly) and then took a loooooooong time off and now want to get back into it again.

I think the favorite thing for me is the variety. I *LOVE* to swim (but I suck). I *LOVE* to bike. I don't love walking, but I'm sure I'll love jogging when I lose a bit more weight. And I really enjoy that I'm constantly alternating sports.

You can build up your run gradually over time, but it is quite different after doing a bike ride. Like others said, make sure to get in some bricks where you ride and then run -- maybe starting with a mile. The legs really do feel like jelly at first.

light_sabe_r

11-02-2006, 05:46 PM

Eclectic! I'm new to this as well. I did my first (enticer) Tri at the end of september and Now I have a goal of swimming the entire enticer freestyle (instead of on my back) and at the very least JOGGING the run because running's never been my strong point (i walked half of the run in my first tri due to cramps and stitches)

My next enticer tri is in December. 300m swim in a canal, 10km (4miles??)bike ride and 2.5km run (about one mile I think... ) with the goal of working my way up into the actual competition series by next season (where the distances are much longer) Girl's gotta have a goal doesn't she??

Looking forward to hearing about more of your training and future race reports.

tygab

11-02-2006, 07:54 PM

Ok, now a proper reply...

I have a goal of doing my first this coming year as well. I was a cycling newbie in March with the goal of riding a 2 day charity ride in my area. I had to learn pretty much everything about cycling (well there is still a lot I don't know, but you get my drift). I was out of shape. I thought I was crazy, and when I first started biking I didn't even enjoy it (the huffing, the clipless pedals, the cars, the hills, the speed etc). Sometime in mid July I began to get it, and I finished my charity ride feeling elated and yet humbled by the experience of my summer and the event.

I needed a new challenge, so I decided to do a tri after my long ride & seeing the athletes of Ironman Lake Placid up close this year. It was very inspirational to realize the vast majority were normal people (normal in the sense of having jobs, famillies, and other stuff in their lives - not that it's 'normal' to decide to run a marathon, ride more than a century, and swim a couple of miles in a day :D ), and as I rode my bike among them I was asking myself if I could enjoy triathlons (and more the fitness that results from the training). When I found out more about them, I realized it was great all around exercise and sprint tri's were good short distance events.

Started running in Sept (after a long cold boo), and did my first duathlon last weekend! Yay what a trip! I am presently a very slow runner and decent (probably average in competition) cyclist. Swimming tho will be my biggest challenge. I can swim but I haven't been in a pool to lap swim since college, and even then it was not anything I did regularly. At least I used to run, and have a cycling foundation beginning. I can also for sure say I will stick to lakes for these.

I have to pick out my first event but will probably be june 07. I do belong to a gym, and just got a new suit, goggs, and swim cap... and no immediate training goal, so all that's left is for me to go and try it out. But after my du I have had a raspy throat for 2 days, so I am hoping I'll miss another cold (grrr too many of these!!). I'll know in a few days I guess. I have been hitting the bike and run pretty good tho, so I know that'll come along just by doing it.

I know you will be able to do this. Please keep us posted and motivated as well! Think about how it will feel to be able to say 'I am a triathlete!'

I too agree that much of the appeal is the combination of disciplines. I do not have the patience to be a single sport person I think. Even in my biking this summer, I was missing variety of other activities, but I knew I had a big goal to achieve. Now, for some strange reason I am more excited to train for a 5k that is a leg of something than I probably would for be for a 5k alone. Go figure. And I also don't feel like I have to bike every time out, because I will get gains from cross training in other sports.

well, got to get to sleep.

Kimmyt

11-03-2006, 08:43 AM

I just registered for my first tri next June.... I never thought I would do one, but it sounds fun now!

Of course it is just a sprint tri, but I am not a runner, so I will really need to step up my training in order to finish!

eclectic

11-03-2006, 08:47 AM

this is soooo exciting - I even WANT to go to the gym on a Friday after work vs going out for happy hour. :D

went yesterday and did 30min on the elliptical did the "hills" program then walked 2 laps and ran a whole 7! so now I am up to 7/10 of a mile. I do have some musculature problems so I plan on building up slowly. for the first time after running any distance I don't ache all over!

today the plan is the elliptical again, run again, and then do resistance training.

tomorrow I have class from 8A - 5P so it will be my off day this week

I am trying to getting a regime worked out compatible w/ my "life" schedule
I am thinking I may have to swim again at 5:45 am again at least 1 day per week -drat - I am not a morning person but at least swimming doesn't hurt that early in the morning - it just takes me 600 yards to warm up :p

light_sabe_r

11-03-2006, 01:00 PM

It's NICE when the motivation kicks in.

It's getting easier to get motivated to swim. After all It's been 23 degrees Celcius at 7am in the morning all week. I've been to the pool three days this week.

I've signed up for the tri now so I MUST train! :)

I did 7 laps freestyle yesturday then 1 lap backstroke to cool down (backstroke was ALWAYS my strongest stroke, even when I was a kid)

This was after a 15km FAST ride to the pool.

My problem is I need to learn to pace myself. I did 100m then CARKED IT... totally out of energy... So I the rest of the laps were 50m blocks... ;_;

Last time I trained I did 175 without stopping.

What can I do to slow myself down so I can do 300m without stopping at all?

meanwhile... I finally got myself a new pair of runners... (BFs been bugging me for a while) So I have NO escuse not to go for a jog! ***eeep** running scares me.

eclectic

11-03-2006, 02:44 PM

My problem is I need to learn to pace myself. I did 100m then CARKED IT... totally out of energy... So I the rest of the laps were 50m blocks... ;_;

Last time I trained I did 175 without stopping.

What can I do to slow myself down so I can do 300m without stopping at all?
.

You asked so Imma gonna tell ya :)

My coach told me to "slow down to go faster" or in other words really slow down and concentrate on your body position, arm exit and entry, hand position, head position, breathing, sucking your stomach it, stretching your whole body out, kicking from the hips with a flexible leg etc. It is amazing because you will feel like you are going slower but in reality you are going faster and expending less energy

Make sure your Left arm is fully extended before your right hand starts to pull and vice versa and you are turning from your waist not your neck ( it is almost a snapping motion) - I can tell you some drills to get proper body alignment if you are interested but they do require a snorkel

Your bike ride probably warmed your legs up pretty good but your arms and shoulders will need some warming up.

FWIW here are my suggestions, forgive me if you already know them but hey maybe someone else doesn't

When you first start try some freestyle drills and really concentrate on form

One is called "fingertip drag" - you concentrate on bringing your elbow out of the water first then dragging your fingertips along the surface before entering back in

another that is a little harder but trust me it will slow you down and it is really good is "catch up"
the best way to do this is to hold on to a 9" stick (we use sawed off hockey sticks) a 1" dowel would work. Your continually hold the stick at arms length in front of you, you have to grab the stick with the LH before the right hand can let go, not only are you getting better timing w/ your stroke but you're also getting the resistance from the stick (and it is a lot more than you would think)
Eventually you can get the rhythm down and do this drill w/o the stick.
I am still not very good at this one 50 meters of it is more than enough

A fun one is "popovers" you do 3 strokes of Front crawl then roll over and do 3 strokes of back crawl and basically corkscrew down the pool

I don't know what this one is called but you kind of lay on your side facing left w/ your right hand extended and your face out of the water, kick for six kicks, do 3 arm strokes (l,r,l) with your face in the water, then face right, do 6 kicks, 3 arm strokes and you are back on your left - this is a great drill for starting to learn bilateral breathing.

If you can already bilateral breathe do 50 meters of this (3 stroke breathing) then 50 of 4 stroke breathing

tying a 4 litre icecream bucket onto a rope longer than your legs and then tying it around your waist so it trails behind you will slow you down :D and it helps build endurance. 25-50 meters of this is plenty (eventually we got "parachutes" that look like windsocks so we don't look quite so dorky)

start with 2 - 50 meter sets of these every swim before you start doing your sprint training. try to work up to 200 meters of them

Are you in a 25 or 50 meter pool?
for sprint training - try doing 50 meters on a set time and do 5 or more sets of them (example 50 meters on 75 secs ) the faster you get done, the more time you have to rest before you go again - you leave every 75 secs even if you got in at 65
- you do want to have at least a 10 sec rest so plan your time accordingly

If you are in a 25m pool try 25's on 35 or 40 sec

THEN when you are all done these do a nice easy cool down crawl stroke for at least 100 meters.

Eventually do a Slow (fingertip drag is a good one for this ) 200 meters before even starting anything else, count your strokes to see how many it takes you to get to the other end, as you get stronger and more efficient it should take less and less

(in an hour practice we did 5 - 600 meters of warm ups before starting drills or sprints)

Let me know if you try any of these and if they help :)

light_sabe_r

11-03-2006, 03:13 PM

WOW! Thanks eclectic!

I've been doing 2 laps each session laps where I haven't been kicking at all to get my arms up to strength. I'm getting faster with just arm strokes

I like the sound of of the icecream bucket drill!! I might give that a go next time!

as for the 75s sets of 50s... There's a lane in the pool for 50s in 1minute... You have sixty seconds to do 50m. I haven't tried it yet so the 75s set sounds like a good way to start out to get up there.

Can't wait to try some of this out next time I hit the pool. ^_^

Bikingmomof3

11-03-2006, 04:01 PM

Thank you Eclectic! :)

mariposa

11-03-2006, 04:06 PM

...they are not nearly as intimidating as they are made out to be.

One thing I really love about tris is that they allow us to laugh about our strengths and weaknesses. Most triathletes are good at maybe one sport and totally suck at one of the other sports. MOST of us start out fearing either the swim portion, the bike portion or the run training. We all get over it! You will find that most of your fears are mental - not based on your body's actual physical limitations. For instance, I have a friend who was *convinced* she couldn't run over 3.0 miles. We got her up to 4 miles and she was dancing on the tables! After that she never thought that she *couldn't* do it.

The other nice thing about tris is the variety of training. Any given week you might be doing a little of each sport plus possibly sampling a little strength training, yoga or stretching, pilates, walking, hiking, etc. You can mix and match and if you're feeling tired of one type of exercise, you just pick another one!

Also - running (and to a lesser extent swimming) are very time efficient. A lot of people here are probably spending 3/4 of our Saturdays on long-ish bike rides. But a "long-ish" run, depending on the tri you're training for, will take you just 45 min - 2 hours and there is no bike maintenance required!

Watch out - it's a VERY addictive sport.

Crankin

11-04-2006, 04:46 AM

light_sabe_r

11-04-2006, 01:12 PM

Welcome Along Robyn! ^_^

Offthegrid

11-04-2006, 01:22 PM

OK, you can put me down for MAYBE doing a tri in 2007.

Too late, I already wrote you down for one. ;)

Seriously, you have MONTHS to go, and you don't need to run the 5K contiuously. Do walk/jog intervals. I *know* that if you keep at it, you'll make a vast amount of improvement by the time the tri comes and surprise yourself.

Woo hoo! Team TE tri is growing!

Bikingmomof3

11-04-2006, 02:21 PM

I am excited to do a tri. I am least worried about the running part. Not having been a bike in awhile, that will take some time to build up.

crazycanuck

11-04-2006, 03:37 PM

Me too!!! Me meemememe

I'm doing one in December, one or two in january and who knows what else.

c

eclectic

11-06-2006, 08:49 AM

Well Ladies how is everyone doing? Our team is growing :)

I worked out on Friday, did the elliptical for 35 min again level 6 random but put it in reverse mode - my strength is OK but need to work on my coordination :p
did laps for 30 min and decided to time myself to get a base.
laps at our gym are 10/mile. I walked 2 ran 7, walked 3 ran 7 walked 1. I timed myself and w/ the walking it came out to a 12 minute mile - now I don't think that is possible - I don't run very fast but just maybe I am going faster than I thought - it is level and no wind however, so just maybe . . .

I did almost 1.5 miles of running so maybe I will be at 5 miles sooner than April

Sat was a wash - took a class ALL day - on how to write paragraphs - I mean how much can you talk about paragraphs - well obviously a lot we have 7.5 more hours of it to take

Yesterday was nice enough to go for the LAST outdoor ride of the season :( :) Got 26 miles in at a pretty leisurely pace (we wanted to enjoy the moment)

Today is a wash :( have parent teacher conf then I teach a night class
am going to try to work something in tomorrow after conferences

THEN the schedule should slow down some and I can hit it again

Hey everyone post your training regime - inquiring minds want to know!

nancielle

11-06-2006, 10:48 AM

I am almost 50 (another 55 days), I already swim (but not in a lake) and I started cycling a year ago, I am not very fast but getting better. However as of today I can barely run 1/2 mile and even at that it is pretty slow (4 years ago I could run 3 agonizing 11 minute miles).

Eclectic I had similar thoughts (although I'm still several months away from that milestone birthday.) Five years ago I started thinking of how I wanted to celebrate the new decade. I wanted to do something different than the usual dinner out type thing. (Not that there is anything wrong with that!)

Anway, I had read about the Danskin Tri and debated doing that. I had originally planned on doing that in July 2005 but suffered a pretty serious knee injury in early January of that year that didn't heal as expected (as in not healing at all) and ended up having surgery in the spring. Ick. Since I'd essentially been off my feet and on crutches for months, doing it then wasn't an option. :(

The event for 2007 will fall just slightly more than a week after the "Milestone Birthday." I won't drown in a swim and cycling is my strongest sport. Running is a concern since I have practically no cartilege left in my knee. Maybe walking is an option. :D

eclectic

11-06-2006, 12:24 PM

Welcome Nancielle :)

I wish there was a danskin tri near here. I would love to do one. the closest is Denver and that is about a 15 hour drive. I wish they would start one in Minneapolis.

check out the walking - I am sure someone here knows the rules

Glad you are healing

light_sabe_r

11-06-2006, 03:12 PM

Well Ladies how is everyone doing? Our team is growing :)

You asked. :P

I've finally gotten some run training in. BF has set up his heart rate monitor for me and since I've been ZONE training to try and run the distance. I've completed 3 "runs" in the last week. I was so proud of myself this morning! I ran 2km... including an uphill for the first time in my LIFE. NO WALKING. I'm blaming the cycling and the HRM! I gotta get me one of those just for me! AND yestday afternoon I ran 1.75km after my commute home!

I've been cycling to the pool 3 days a week for the past two weeks now. Every time I show up I can swim for longer without stopping for a break. 100m has changed to 150m... Therefore I'm triple the swimmer I was in the enticer in september!

I'm riding 15km to the pool with an average speed of 20kph (LOTS of hills) So I'm usually exhausted when I get to the pool already. Gotta be good training for the transitions right?? Plus if I'm training after a ride then I should be able to BURST away during the actual event.

My average bike is now 80-100km per week. (the ride's only 10km)

So yeah. I'm aiming to increase my run distance to 3km (event is 2.5km) and swim 400m straight (event is 300m)

There's another girl at work who did NOOSA (3rd biggest Tri in the world and the Biggest in Australia... Lorian Graham made her cycling comeback in the TEAMs event! ) is entering the Raby Bay Tri as well (long course)

NEXT SEASON I'll be in with her. I'll work my way up to it. But it'll be great having someone in the long course cheering me on and visa versa

HillSlugger

11-06-2006, 03:49 PM

Hey everyone post your training regime - inquiring minds want to know!

I'm in transition from only biking to becoming a multisport gal. I haven't yet started the swimming and I'm still mostly biking:

Monday: bike - trainer session, 45 minutes

Tuesday: run - ~2.5 miles, ~30 minutes, mixed run/walk

Wednesday: bike - trainer session, 45 minutes

Thursday: bike - trainer session, 45 minutes

Friday: run - ~2.5 miles, ~30 minutes, mixed run/walk

Saturday: off

Sunday: bike outside, ~30 miles

It's getting to the point where I'll soon have to stop the outside ride until spring. I'll substitute in a swim instead and also replace another ride with a swim, so I'll end up with 2 each swim, run bike.

light_sabe_r

11-06-2006, 04:54 PM

Oh! Regime!

Monday: Ride to pool then swim
Tuesday: Run then usual commute
Wednesday: Ride to pool then Swim
Thurdays: Run then usual commute
Friday: Ride to the pool and Swim
Saturday: Run, Then indoor soccer
Sunday: Rest day - OR make up the distance to get to 100km for the week.

can you believe I actually took up cycling to improove my fitness for indoor soccer?? NOW soccer's there to mix up my training a bit. :D

shoerbee

11-06-2006, 04:55 PM

Thank you for starting this thread Eclectic!!!
I am 36, 5'6" and 2oo lbs ... depending on the day.
I have always been active an outdoorsy, when the couch isn't calling. Work hard labor for a living, and have an athletic family......so it is IN there.
My secret goal has been to do a triathlon.....just started really riding my bike a few weeks ago and starting to think that if I applied myself, maybe I could make one of those Sprint Tri's that they have here in Colorado next year.

Reading ya'lls posts...I am SURE now that I can do it with the right focus and support.

One of the many things I love about this forum is that it takes the intimidation out of it all, seeing that people of all ages and sizes are out there. Here in beautiful Colorado, i see all young, gorgeous, fit people out there and am afraid to hit the trail at times!

Thank you SO much for the inspiration Eclectic and all of you! Glenwood Springs has a Sprint Tri every September.........am not only beginning to think I can do it, am beginning to think I can look for one earlier........even if I never have even run around a block. I'm a walking fool, a guppy and quickly becoming addicted to the bike....

Thank yoU!!!!
Brigitte

Bikingmomof3

11-06-2006, 05:29 PM

Brigitte,
You can and will do it. There is a lot of support here on TE! :)

KSH

11-06-2006, 05:40 PM

eclectic

11-06-2006, 07:05 PM

This is SOOOOO great!

thanks for posting the training plans everyone :)

Great link KSH WOW ! ! !

I am really beginning to believe that I can do this!

A friend of mine who is a champion power lifter (who thinks I am crazy BTW - "Endurance Athletes you guys are nuts" - he says) told me to find a training partner. Now I can tell him I have! a WHOLE bunch of them :D

I can't believe I actually WANT to work out :eek:

tygab

11-06-2006, 07:26 PM

OK, you can put me down for MAYBE doing a tri in 2007. I think I'm crazy, but I am going to buy new running shoes today. I've working up to being able to run 3 miles at a 10 mi. mile pace (slow). I'm up to being able to run at 6 mph for about 8 minutes continuosly, but i still feel like I'm going to die. Well, it's getting better, but I hate it and my knees are hurting a little. I think that is a combination of things, not just the running; i.e. living in a house with 4 floors, lots of stairs, wearing boots with heels, hiking. I am going to start swimming in January. My goal is to do the Danskin triathalon...

Tygab, maybe we can train together. We seemed pretty well matched on the bike and our running seems to be about the same, too. Of course, since I am old enough to be your mother, you will probably surpass me....

Robyn

Hey Robyn, I would love to train with you. I haven't been on the board in a few days so I didn't see this right away. Right now I am not considering myself in training mode but I am wanting to build my base fitness all around.
The scratchy throat did turn into a mild cold :mad: (not nearly as bad as the September one though) and not wanting a repeat of those 3 weeks, I am taking it easy for a few days. This makes me all anxious since I haven't exercised since last Wednesday, but I try to tell myself the gym and/or trainer isn't going anywhere and I won't lose all my fitness in a week. In all likelihood I got this as a result of the du (running and biking in the cold when I hadn't been outdoor training at all) but if that's the case it was worth it.

I will continue running and biking and will start swimming pretty soon. I just need to pick my schedule.... ooh and it's only a few more weeks til I can register for the PMC! :D

-Tasha

eclectic

11-06-2006, 07:29 PM

WOW! Thanks eclectic!

as for the 75s sets of 50s... There's a lane in the pool for 50s in 1minute... You have sixty seconds to do 50m. I haven't tried it yet so the 75s set sounds like a good way to start out to get up there.
^_^

Last spring I could do 50's on 60 and get a little rest - Now that I haven't swam for 5 months (I'm bad) It takes me at least 60 to do 50 so I would be doing a marathon sprint session :eek:

I just thought of this - once in awhile force your self to go w/ only a brief rest. when I first started all the veterans were way faster than me - they would get a 15 second rest and I would touch, turn, gasp and have to go again About every 3rd one I would just do a 25 or if they were doing 100's I would just do 75. Pretty soon I was swimming w/ the big girls. UNTIL the HS girls swim team would work out at the same time THEN we couldn't keep up w/ the LITTLE girls :p

That's cool to have a lane set up for speed drills, we just have to watch the clock. When I was swimming with a coach she would set up different lines on the clock for 60s, 70s, etc - some were swimming with long fins, some w/ short fins and some au natural - we did wear suits though :p Dang why did she have to quit ????? I am going to try to get her to write down some of the training sessions. She sits next to me during Parent teacher conferences but she was too busy tonight for me to pester her (Maybe tomorrow :D :D :D

It will be fun to see our times get faster again as we start swimming more.

light_sabe_r

11-06-2006, 08:09 PM

I have a question for you all. What will you be wearing during your TRIs... For the enticer I just wore my Togs (Speedo Endurance) the entire way... I guess because of the distance I didn't really care, This time I'm thinking of wearing a sports bra underneath to stop the bounce when I run. I saw a lot of other girls wearing sports bras under their togs... It weirded me out a bit though.

I'm thinking of going like this...

SWIM: Issued cap (for age group and race time and race category, don't get it until the day) my Speedo endurance togs, and speedo Futura Purple goggles (with UV built in cause yeah)

Bike: Helmet (MUST) Gloves! (raced without em last time... MONDO uncomfortable with wet hands...) my running socks in my bike shoes (NOT cleats... just Diana Ferrari slip on sneakers in GOLD I bought on sale last year and never wore until I got my bike. ^_^) and BF's heart rate monitor (unless I buy my own before then)

Run: brand New Asics Running shoes with their socks and the hat I got for showing up and trying the last Tri... NO SUNNIES... They kept falling off my head last time... The hat keeps the hair and sun outta my eyes,
and the HRM to pace myself properly of course. (I love that thing!)

I've got only 6 weeks until my event!!! I'm so excited! 2nd Triathlon! Still only a sprint but I can't wait!

Here's the website of it. THE GATORADE SERIES... I'm doing the LOOK enticer course. (Raby Bay Race 3) http://www.usmevents.com.au/series/qts/home.cfm

Crankin

11-07-2006, 10:12 AM

Hi Tygab,

I am not really in training mode, either. I have never been in training mode! Just improvement, I guess. I haven't run in a few days, looking forward to riding this week, with nice weather and some extra daylight time. I have to ramp up the running, though. I can't start swimming until January when I switch gyms. There is a pool at the Thoreau club, but we dropped the swim membership years ago and it's expensive. Right now I'm really fighting with myself about the tri; am I really just a cyclist who likes to cross train, or can I do this? It seems like people much less fit than me complete them, but running just is so painful for me. Hopefully, it will stop. We can definitely run together this winter and maybe ride/do a spin class? What gym do you go to?

Be careful about mouth breathing outside in the winter. It sounds like you might have some allergy/asthma stuff going on that might not come out, unless you are exerting yourself.

Robyn

HillSlugger

11-07-2006, 10:46 AM

I have a question for you all. What will you be wearing during your TRIs?

I haven't done one yet but this is what I'm thinking so far:

Swim: TriTank, swim bottoms, swim cap, goggles, watch

Bike: pull on the bike shorts, bike socks, bike shoes, sunglasses, helmet, gloves, CamelBak

Run: ditch the bike shorts (not sure if I'll put on other shorts for the run or just run in my swim bottoms), helmet, gloves, CamelBak; swap bike shoes for running shoes

I may consider getting Tri shorts but I hate to give up the comfort of my bike shorts and I'll lose little time pulling them on. I might add a hat for the run.

I'll really start to figure it all out iin the spring when I can try some bricks and see how the transitions go and how everything feels.

KSH

11-07-2006, 11:07 AM

I strongly urge anyone doing a sprint or olympic tri... TO WEAR TRI SHORTS and A TRI TOP.

This will save you so much time and hassle in the transition area. When you have other stuff to think about, why worrying about changing all those clothes?

Tri shorts and a top will take you from each event without thinking twice about what you are wearing.

Messing with shoes, socks, helmets, race belts, etc... is more than enough.

Yes, I know the tri shorts have no padding... and are not as comfortable and regular bike shorts.

BUT... here is how I see it... what's 1 hour of my life in a little discomfort? It's nothing. I'm not riding 50 miles, I am riding 10-15 miles. Very short distance... so why bother with being absolutely comfortable? I just wear the tri shorts... and do it.

And trust me, I have a very sensitive butt- or really boney sit bones...because my butt hurts after wearing bike shorts on a 20 mile ride!

But, I figure I am racing... not out for a casual ride... and I can suck it up (Suck it up buttercup!) for 15 miles.

NOTE: This advice does not apply in cases where it's cold. I'm all about putting on more clothes when it's freezing outside. Whereas, some won't even do that.

JmcG

11-07-2006, 11:13 AM

I have a question for you all. What will you be wearing during your

For any distance up to and including a Half Ironman, I wear:
Swim: Tri shorts, tri top (has small pockets in the back to store gels, etc later), goggles, issued swim cap, wetsuit if needed, neoprene strap with timing chip attached to wear through the entire race

Bike: Helmet, socks, bike shoes, sunglasses, gloves if longer than oly distance, race belt with bib attached, stuff some Gus into my back pocket. I also have a baggie with some Succeed tablets (electrolyte tabs) that I stick in the waistband of my tri shorts.
On my bike I have an aerobottle with water and a bottle in my cage with gatorade. I tape Gu onto my top tube with electrical tape so that I can just rip it off and eat, then throw the wrappers in my back pocket, or if I'm at an aid station, throw them off by the trash can. If it's longer than oly distance, I have a bento box where I keep opened clif bars and extra gus.

Run: Change into running shoes and a hat (keep wearing race belt)

For quicker transitions, I have Yankz! shoe laces that make running shoes easier to slip on. Also, practice your transitions at home - the practice will make you much faster and more efficient and you get a rhythm and method down so that you don't forget anything or stall on race day. Days before the race I start to mentally visualize how I change and put on everything in the transitions.

spokewench

11-07-2006, 11:20 AM

So it is going to be cold when I do a tri. Do you bike in wet cold tri shorts with knee warmers? What the heck do you do about your wet clothes. I just can't imagine riding my bike and running in really wet cold clothes.

I'm sure you can't go naked in the transition zones, so what do you do?

JmcG

11-07-2006, 11:24 AM

Kimmyt

11-07-2006, 11:46 AM

Here's my training plan as of right now (i reserve the right to switch things around at any given notice and as the mood strikes):

M Swim class 8pm-9pm
T Run after work at gym total of no less than 2 miles, do abs
W 6:30-7:15 am spin class, Swim class 8pm-9pm
R Run after work at gym total of no less than 2 miles, do abs
F Day off!
Sa/Su hopefully one day of outside stuff... cycling if it's warm, running at the park if not

All of the above does not include strength training, which I do ~2 times a week or more

As of now my biggest hurdle is going to be the 5k part of the race. The swim will only be moderately challenging, moreso if I try and go faster than my regular 'long distance' swim and/or if i have a bad day. The cycling will be a breeze. The run... not so much. I ran 2 miles on Sunday at the park and thought I might die. And the miles were split up. Everyone tells me I can racewalk and still be fine, but my goal is to run the whole thing and hopefully in a decent time. I've got a ways to go yet with training, so thankfully the thing isn't until next June.

As for the 'what do you wear' thing I was wondering the same thing. I'm going shopping for a lap suit this weekend since mine has become rather threadbare. I was thinking, since I'm just doing a sprint, that I will just swim in my suit and then cycle in my suit/cleats/socks/helmet/gloves with no pants.. then for the run i will probably throw on a pair of shorts, my sneaks and maybe a hat. Does that sound silly to you more experienced tri peeps? I hate to go out and buy expensive clothing when I can make do for one race with what I've got. If i really get into this whole thing, then maybe I'll spring for the tri-specific gear.

Also, no HRMs for me. No computer on my bike, either. Too much technology that I can never get to work. Plus I tend toward the clock-watcher, so if I have a comp on my bike I will forever be like (8.5 more miiiiiiiiles)

K.

JmcG

11-07-2006, 12:13 PM

As for the 'what do you wear' thing I was wondering the same thing. I'm going shopping for a lap suit this weekend since mine has become rather threadbare. I was thinking, since I'm just doing a sprint, that I will just swim in my suit and then cycle in my suit/cleats/socks/helmet/gloves with no pants.. then for the run i will probably throw on a pair of shorts, my sneaks and maybe a hat. Does that sound silly to you more experienced tri peeps? I hate to go out and buy expensive clothing when I can make do for one race with what I've got. If i really get into this whole thing, then maybe I'll spring for the tri-specific gear.

I think that sounds perfectly fine - if you do find that you're hooked on tri and want to do longer races, then go splurge on more expensive gear. If you're unsure now, do a few races with what you have and if you don't like it, you haven't wasted any $$, and if you do like it, it's more reasons to go shopping and to get fun birthday presents!

I wouldn't even bother wearing shorts for the run if you're comfortable in just your suit (and I don't mean birthday suit!). You will see people at these races all decked out in matching gear and $$$$ bikes - which can get over the top esp in local sprint races. I did a hilly sprint this summer where, if you have a choice of bikes, a road bike would be best b/c of all the climbing - and some man had his Cervelo Carbon P3 with a rear disc wheel. I passed him on the bike. Now maybe it was his only bike, but still, it seemed a little over the top!

Offthegrid

11-07-2006, 12:41 PM

Re: the woman who weighed 390 pounds and did a tri. Guess that means I'm definitely not the heaviest woman to ever do one. :D

Re: training schedules. Here's what I'm doing right now, but it needs some tweaking because lifting weights and then spinning the next day is not working for me.

Also I want to add more swim sessions because I enjoy it so much and because I suck at it.

Monday: a.m. spinning class
Tuesday: a.m. 1,000-meter swim; p.m. weight loss support group (T.O.P.S.)
Wednesday: p.m. personal trainer session of 30 minutes walking, 30 minutes weights
Thursday: a.m. 1,000-meter swim; p.m. 30-40 minutes elliptical (will jog once I am able)
Friday: Rest
Saturday: 20-mile bike ride
Sunday: a.m. 60-minute walk (about 4.2 miles); p.m. 60-minutes weights (total body)

Re: what to wear. Yes, tri shorts and tri top. Do NOT try to put on clothing when you're wet, with the exception of maybe socks. My tri shorts (Desoto) have a small pad and a pocket on the leg where I put my gel (after the swim, of course). Even though I'm doing a sprint triathlon, I use one Gu because it takes me about 2 hours to finish.

spokewench

11-07-2006, 12:56 PM

That's a good question. How cold is cold? I've only done tris in warm weather....

What do you do for clothes if it is 50 degrees when you get out of water and now you have to do your bike and run?

KSH

11-07-2006, 05:13 PM

What do you do for clothes if it is 50 degrees when you get out of water and now you have to do your bike and run?

Well... for me... I put on pants, a jacket, and full gloves... over my tri suit... and I was the only one wearing that much clothing.

I also put a towel by the exit from the pool... so I could dry off on the way to transition.

The weather was around 45-50 with wind gusts up to 30 mph. It was COLD!!!

shoerbee

11-08-2006, 06:53 AM

Thanks for inspiring ladies....eclictic, off the grid, ksh, robyn....

Offthegrid turned me onto the Danskin Tri's and there is one in Denver in July.

That's it, I'm doing it.

Thanks ladies!
I love the links you have all offered and especially the training schedules and such.
Helps tons!
b

JmcG

11-08-2006, 07:26 AM

What do you do for clothes if it is 50 degrees when you get out of water and now you have to do your bike and run?

Yep - that's pretty cold for being wet. Be really careful of hypothermia. I guess you just put on leg or knee warmers and warm gloves and hope you dry off quickly? I wish I had a better answer. Anyone else have suggestions?

eclectic

11-08-2006, 08:08 AM

shoerbee - I would LOVE to do the July one in Denver, the only probelm is it is a 15 hour drive from here - I have driven it in one day - not fun. I have the time but the expense may be more than is feasible but I am definately going to keep it on the back burner and see if I can work out the logistics.

I may just do a state one in July or one in South Dakota in June - but the Danskin one - THAT is the one I REALLY would like to do.

This is SUCH a good motivator - Thank you ALL.:)

I had Parent teacher conf last night until after 7 (after teaching from 7:30am on) and I STILL went to the gym and did the elliptical and ran. Now that is a first.

After doing the elliptical for 30 min (level 9, hills, w/ reverse thrown in maintaining 68-70 rpms - cycling has definately helped) I walked 2 laps, ran 8, walked 2 ran 8 and walked 3.

10 laps is a mile so I am almost there! It took me about 32 min to do 2.5 mile (the last .5 wasn't a very fast walk.)

I timed myself again and with the walking it really is about 12 minutes per mile. I just may get there after all.

I finally figured out a beginning training schedule that is doable:

Sunday: Spinning class 1 hour, weights - arms/back

Monday: Swim 1 hour AM, Elliptical/run 1 hour PM eventually add leg weights

Tuesday: OFF day (other commitments)

Wed: Swim 45 min, weights arms/back

Thur: Elliptical/run 1 hour

Fri: bike/trainer using the Chris Carmichael time trial DVD - 1 hour
Socialize the rest of the evening :) I mean we DO need balance

Sat: Elliptical/run, weights - legs, eventually add swimming

I realize as it gets closer I will have to double up more but by then I will have more time to do it. 6 days per week, 3 events, each event 3 days per week = 3 days of double up eventually

My goal at first was just to finish - Now it is to finish in STYLE :)

KSH

11-08-2006, 10:08 AM

Eclectic...

I was reviewing your workout:

Sunday: Spinning class 1 hour, weights - arms/back

Monday: Swim 1 hour AM, Elliptical/run 1 hour PM eventually add leg weights

Tuesday: OFF day (other commitments)

Wed: Swim 45 min, weights arms/back

Thur: Elliptical/run 1 hour

Fri: bike/trainer using the Chris Carmichael time trial DVD - 1 hour
Socialize the rest of the evening I mean we DO need balance

Sat: Elliptical/run, weights - legs, eventually add swimming

Let me ask a few questions:

Why all of the elliptical training? Is it to get in extra cardio?

Why all of the swimming... aren't you a strong swimmer already? I know I am, and for sprints, I can literally train 2 times a month and come out 3rd in my age group in competition.

Are you a strong cyclists? Can you cycle outside at all? Or is it just too cold?

Is there anyway you can add 1 brick (bike to run) a week in there? That is really important. Even if it's a spin class to a treadmill. Or maybe add a run after your trainer ride on Fri? If you do that, you could probably miss the running on Sat.

Why weights for your arms/back 2 times a week? I would guess you are working different body parts, right?

With that said... you have a really aggressive workout schedule and for a sprint tri... you will be MORE than ready. Honestly, with about 4-6 hours of training a week, sprints are very doable.

Keep in mind that you need to focus on your weak areas. And the elliptical is great for the extra cardio, but won't really affect your running all that much. If you are short on time, focus on your walk/run combo over the elliptical machine.

Now, with running... the rule is that you want to up your miles running by 10% each week to keep from getting any type of injuries.

Now, I'm not an expert. I don't win my age group at tri's... and I have only done a handful of events. I'm just giving this advice based on what I experienced in my Tri 101 class and training for the past couple of years. But I am NOT an expert.

Your workout schedule does look aggressive though and you will certainly be more than ready.

eclectic

11-08-2006, 12:54 PM

Thanks KSH so much for looking it over so well for me :) And thanks for your input it is much appreciated :) You are WAY more an expert than I. That is why I think it is good to lay our plans out there.

I am a TOTAL over planner. When I trained for my first bike tour this summer I was told to get at least 500 miles on - I did 1000.

this plan is for the next few months then I it will be altered as my life commitments change

I am a non runner so that is the area I need to build up. You are correct, I am doing the elliptical for cardio and because I have a health issue where I have to be really careful of doing anything that is impact. Right now a full hour of walking/running would be too much. When I can run more easily I plan on lessening the elliptical time gradually and increasing the track time. The amount I am doing now doesn’t hurt and the recovery time is adequate - YIPPEE!

I was planning on adding a brick after I got my running up to par. It won't probably happen until early spring just because of the weather (I know a lot of people run in the cold on the snow and ice but I am a chicken) We'll see about my recovery after I start spin class I suppose it would be good to go on the treadmill or track even for a little to get used to the transition

I can't bike outside anymore thus the spinning :(

Strength training is because I am not very strong, also because of my age it is important to ward off oesteoporosis as biking and swimming are non weight bearing, I split it up between arms and legs just for the time factor

I am so scared to ease up on the cycling and swimming for fear of losing what I have gained (also I haven’t been swimming since last May and I have lost a lot in power and speed - my skills are still good however.

I always have said my body has to work twice as hard to get half as good as everyone else. I do not build muscle easily. Once I get going I can go a long time just not fast or strong :D

One good thing is the Dr gave me new asthma medicine and I can swim a whole session w/o a snorkel again for the first time in 2 years :)

Thanks again so much!

KSH

11-08-2006, 01:30 PM

Ah... right! Well, forgive me for forgetting about your health issues.

Yea, doing 1 hour of walking/running- not a good thing for you right now. But honestly, for 5K training, you probably won't ever need to do an hour of running. But that's just my opinion.

My running coach though, if he's training someone for a 5K, he trains them for 6 miles... so you are good and ready for 3.2 miles. Yea... uummm... I don't know about that one. :o

Well, considering your health issues, you are doing an amazing job. Yea, get to doing bricks when you are up to it. Just make sure you do some a couple of months out before race day.

In the end though, we all know our own bodies the best. I know I can train 2 times a month for a solid swim... and I know that if I only run 2 times a week, I will die on the run.

GOOD LUCK! Keep up the hard work!

Offthegrid

11-08-2006, 06:07 PM

Eclectic, we have similar schedules. I just wanted to throw out there that my trainer said weights twice a week is plenty because of the amount of other activity I do. We'll probably phase it out or cut it down drastically when the season starts. So if you want to ease up your schedule a bit, you could do only two sessions/week.

eclectic

11-08-2006, 08:20 PM

Ah... right! Well, forgive me for forgetting about your health issues.

!

No need to apologize :) It isn't like we know every body type, aches and pains of everyone on the forum.

I really like the input. I mull it around, chew on it for awhile and either take it to heart or spit it out.

I don't think I will get that much swimming in . I went tonight and got 600 yards in when a friend showed up who I had promised to help swim better. By the time I got him fitted w/ my snorkel and spare pink goggles :D and figured out he couldn't even hold the kick board and kick because his kick was so bad it was time to get out

Off the grid - thanks for the weight training input. I am so scared to let up. I haven't done any resistance training since last May and my upper body has deteriorated terribly(well not terribly but more than I would like). I know that once spring hits I will be outside running and biking and the weights will be down the tubes just like what happened this year.
Weights are the hardest thing to fit in. I figure when I swim I don't use my legs much (I don't have a very good kick and when I asked my coach what I could do to make it stronger she said "nothing, it will never be very good, you are a natural breaststroker") so I could do legs on swim days, and I figure when I spin I don't use my arms so I could do arm weights on cycling days, 4 sessions actually only add up to 2 full body ones.

Today I had the time and didn't swim hard so I did the full round.

tommorrow is run day so I shall see how it goes, I am still trying to find out what my current level is.

Crankin

11-09-2006, 04:31 AM

I am not sure of what kind of training plan to put together. I won't be starting to swim until January, as I have no pool access now. Swimming will be my weakest thing, but I generally suck at running, too. I can run/walk 3 miles, VERY hilly, up and down in about 40 minutes now. I just want to do a ten minute mile on the run. I may have to drive somewhere flatter to train. I will not worry about the cycling. I mean, I can't compete with people who are really triathletes, but I can hold my own with "regular" cyclists my age. My question is, I am starting to do the Cyclo-Core DVDs to work on core fitness and strength. They are really hard, but I need to work on this, as I have osteopenia and I live in fear of crashing and breaking my hip. I also need to work on balance. I don't want to over train for the tri, so can anyone recommend a schedule? I will be doing a combination of inside and outside training in the winter. Right now I am still riding outside a little, but the trainer is ready. And I tend to get sick when I overdo...
A couple of weeks ago I experimented with a brick at the health club. Did a spin class and then ran on the treadmill. I found that I could run faster and felt better with the running after cycling, mostly because it takes me a very long time to warm up. I always feel horrible for the first 20-30 minutes of a ride! But, I felt kind of on the edge of "dizzy." It most likely was from hunger (next time will eat a Clif Bar), but I hope this won't be a problem for me. It was slightly reminiscent of the first time I did an aerobics class in 1981. I had to pull over on the side of the road on the way home!

KSH

11-09-2006, 07:54 AM

If you want some good workout plans for the average person wanting to train for tri's.... get this book:

Triathlon Training for the Rest of Us: From Couch to Starting Line in Four Hours a Week
by Eric Harr

eclectic

11-09-2006, 08:35 AM

but I generally suck at running, too. I can run/walk 3 miles, VERY hilly, up and down in about 40 minutes now. I just want to do a ten minute mile on the run. I will not worry about the cycling. I mean, I can't compete with people who are really triathletes, but I can hold my own with "regular" cyclists my age. . And I tend to get sick when I overdo...
A couple of weeks ago I experimented with a brick at the health club. Did a spin class and then ran on the treadmill. I found that I could run faster and felt better with the running after cycling, mostly because it takes me a very long time to warm up. I always feel horrible for the first 20-30 minutes of a ride! But, I felt kind of on the edge of "dizzy." It most likely was from hunger (next time will eat a Clif Bar), but I hope this won't be a problem for me. !

I can't help you with any training plans - BTW thanks for the book recommendation KSH - But I can tell you you don't suck at running, you are doing way better than I am! My goal is for an 11 minute mile - 10 would be heavenly!

Man can I relate to the 20-30 minutes of misery on a ride. I gain strength and speed the longer I go if I don't push it from the get go. I am kind of suspecting doing a brick won't be that bad because I will be warmed up.

I talked to one of the speedster cyclists last night at the gym (he was just getting back since April :p ) He had done a sprint tri awhile ago and said his biggest problem was not warming up enough before starting - he said it took him 8 miles of the ride before he got his legs going. he recommended a mile run and 5 mile ride to warm up. I know that is a ways down the road but something for me to think about (swimming I always did 2-300 yards slow pace to warm up for a 100 meter race)
I am always scared of wearing myself out before starting but I just have to gain confidence, know that I need the extra warmup time and just take it slow.

KSH

11-09-2006, 09:55 AM

talked to one of the speedster cyclists last night at the gym (he was just getting back since April ) He had done a sprint tri awhile ago and said his biggest problem was not warming up enough before starting - he said it took him 8 miles of the ride before he got his legs going. he recommended a mile run and 5 mile ride to warm up. I know that is a ways down the road but something for me to think about (swimming I always did 2-300 yards slow pace to warm up for a 100 meter race)
I am always scared of wearing myself out before starting but I just have to gain confidence, know that I need the extra warmup time and just take it slow.

I know for me... I can't just pop in the water and sprint 300-500 yards. I need to get warmed up first.

Because of this, I always try to get some water time in before the race starts.

Otherwise, I had tried running to warm up... BUT you have to leave your running shoes and socks in transition... and you setup transition so far ahead of time... the running I did really didn't affect the race, since it was another 30-45 minutes until I raced (pre race meeting... and if you have a pool swim you are in a line to get in the water).

Each person finds what works for them though.

But I can tell you you don't suck at running, you are doing way better than I am! My goal is for an 11 minute mile - 10 would be heavenly!

Even though that comment wasn't aimed at me... Well, for each person... what's fast and what is slow differs. It's all about personal goals. Right?

I know for me, in my age group, if I could just run a 7-8 minute mile, I would possibly place in the top 5, versus the bottom 5. Running a 10-11 minute mile in my races drops me so many spots.

BUT, I also know that I am lucky to run a sub 10-minute mile... AT ALL these days... and I feel good when I do it. Sure, it won't win me anything... but it's all about my personal goals.

Bikingmomof3

11-09-2006, 10:56 AM

Thank you KSH for the book recommendation. :)

Right now, I know running is the only area that I am good at. Swimming will be okay once i can get back in the water. Biking is going to be a killer for me.

light_sabe_r

11-09-2006, 02:28 PM

Well It's been SUCH a slow week for me. i got sick on Wednesday and Couldn't MOVE... So I did NOTHING

Thursday I did a short jog of 1.5km... THEN at night I did the MS Moonwalk. 10km around the brisbane river.

Even though I can't swim this morning I hope to make up for it on the weekend. ^_^

eclectic

11-10-2006, 02:07 PM

Today was the first day on the trainer. I used Chris Carmicheals time trial DVD. I am not sure how the shifting is supposed to work, they are on doubles and I am on a triple ring. I kept it in the middle ring and shifted it up and down on the back ring
All I know is that I was sweating like a horse and the heart rate was definately up WHEW!

I did this DVD last winter and it really helped my cadence - I don't use a cadence monitor but I think that will be on my wish list, now that I called my health insurance company and discovered my daughter is still on my insurance - I thought she had to be a full time student and she is only part time. She had to go to the emergency room last spring and racked up over a 2000 dollar bill that I thought I would have to cover. Now it should go through WHOO HOO - from what I have already paid the deductible should be covered - I am rich hip hip hooray! (well not rich but better than before) Now that was digressing but what great news for the day. hmmm $2000 :rolleyes: - new bike - Ouch - slap the thought out of my head:D

tygab

11-11-2006, 05:23 AM

I've got a 5k on the schedule, next week, in Canada. My family is convening there at my sister's house in the Vancouver area, and she let us know of a run on Sunday AM (she's an accomplished marathoner). So I signed us up!

We'll both have jet lag, arriving late Saturday from the East Coast, so I don't expect a great race or anything, but it should be a lot of fun! Fortunately the 5k start isn't til 10!

I went to the gym last night and ran my fastest 5k yet, so I am making some progress. Still fighting a small cold tho.

And I need more cycling DVDs!

Crankin

11-11-2006, 12:21 PM

Thanks for the book recommendation. I am heading over to Amazon right now.

And, I haven't run for a week. It's been so nice out, all I want to do is ride. I think I'll never be anything but a cyclist, but I will still try the tri.

Offthegrid

11-11-2006, 12:55 PM

Tygab,

Good luck at your race! Sounds like fun! Go kick some Canadian bootie. :D

eclectic

11-11-2006, 09:39 PM

Tygab,

Good luck at your race! Sounds like fun! Go kick some Canadian bootie. :D

Have a great time, good luck But don't kick the Canadian bootie too hard :D

We have a biathlon here in February. I was planning on partnering it (he runs, I swim) it is a 5 k run and a 500 yard swim. Now I am hoping I am up to doing a 5 k run by then and will enter it alone. The only problem is the run is outside. And why is that a problem you might ask :confused: Well, any given day in February can be 35 above or 20 below with a minus 35 windchill, I don't think I would run too well in -20 degree weather (although I have skied at 15 below w/ a -25 windchill :p )

Today did the elliptical for 1/2 hour then moved to the treadmill rather than the track ( a friend was on a stationary bike beside it so had someone to visit with)

Walked 1 minute then moved it up to 5.5 mph. stayed w/ that for awhile then bumped it to 5.7. Was still able to talk (found it hard though because as long as I looked ahead I was fine then the minute I turned to look at him my cadence was thrown off - or is the correct running term pace?)

I was able to maintain this pace for 22 minutes (2 miles) with no problem. I think I have found the point where I need to stay and then start adding 10% distance (speed will stay the same for awhile) As I build up time and distance running I plan on easing up on the elliptical proportionally until I can run the full hour. It is then that I will try to work on speed. My plan is to run 3 days per week. Re moving outside: I will deal w/ problems related to that when the time comes :)

Any thoughts on the running plan ladies?

light_sabe_r

11-13-2006, 10:57 AM

Well I screwed up this weekend... :eek: I twisted my ankle during Indoor Soccer. While I was able to "take out" the opposing player, I played on! Now my ankle's bruised... I'll be taking it easy this week on the run...

Gotta get back into the pool!!! It's SOOOOO hot and humid here at the moment!!!

eclectic

11-13-2006, 05:21 PM

light_sabe_r

11-13-2006, 06:45 PM

Nah It won't bother me too much swimming. Or riding for that matter (I commute) It's visibly bruised and it HURTS when I'm standing up too long, but walking around it's fine. Shouldn't take too long to heal up I hope. I'm stretching a lot to help it get better. (the podiatrist at work... A noosa tri veteran for that matter... Suggested I do the stretching)

Yup! Us Aussies are moving into Summer. So Most of my TRI and organised rides will be over the next few months. ^_^

It is BLOODY humid at the moment. PEA soup is a good discription. BF and I fell asleep with the Air-conditioner on last night and we could REALLY feel the difference in the air when we opened the doors and windows this morning.

KSH

11-13-2006, 07:29 PM

sorry to hear about your ankle light_sabe_r :( hopefully it will heal quickly and well.

Hot and humid - you are moving into summer now aren't you and we can hear about it now while we are cold and freezing (but it's a dry cold :p

Will your ankle bother you while swimming?

I know when I twisted my ankle, it HURT to swim. In fact, it was almost worse than running.

Why? Because my foot/ankle was just flopping around in the water as I kicked. Well, flopping is a strong term, but with every kick, I felt the pain. I also had to point my foot, which hurt.

Oh, and pushing off the wall... FORGET IT!

I basically did all pulling for the first week or so after twisting my ankle. Swimming wasn't bad when I pulled.

Crankin

11-14-2006, 10:13 AM

eclectic

11-14-2006, 02:02 PM

Hey, I ran 2.85 miles in 30 minutes yesterday. It almost killed me, but I am getting close to the 10 min. mile goal...
Seriously, it took me like 2 hours to recover. I don't rmember cycling being this hard, but on the other hand, I built it up over 2 years.

Robyn

whoo hoo !! ! ! :D :D :D

You are ahead of me :) I did 2 miles at 5.7 mph (5 miles total in an hour if I include the elliptical)

tonight is run night but i am just going to do 2 miles again (22 minutes) then up it next week to 24 minutes, then the next week to 26 minutes then 28 etc. Once I hit 30 mins it will go up 3 minute increments :eek: i am planning on reducing the elliptical time proportionally until I can run the full hour (hopefully by spring)

i am discovering the schedule that works for me isn't really a weekly schedule but more a rotation one, I am trying to fit 3 runnings for every 2 bike (trainer and spin class) sessions and 2 swim (1 hour - distance and 45 min. sprint) sessions.

Because of life commitments I will be off Thurs and Friday which probably won't be a bad thing

Keep up the great work everybody ! ! !

tygab

11-16-2006, 09:32 AM

That's awesome Robin. I think we *are* progressing similarly, though I first got the distance and am just now working on pace.

To that end I did my 1st under 35 min 5k which includes a few warm up minutes (so a 10:45 pace once warm). This after a frustrating spin class (didn't care for the sub, who changed music mid song... got off the bike to basically hold a stopwatch and tell us stuff like 'keep it up' etc. I dunno, seems like a spin teacher should at least do the ride too, no?)! The class itself was 3 long hills... so legs were not exactly fresh for the run, either.

So there is hope for me yet!
-Tasha

Offthegrid

11-16-2006, 10:28 AM

You gals are making me jealous. I still have to wait 39 days before I can start jogging. :mad: But it'll be worth it when I can do so with less risk of injury. :D

I am walking a charity 5K in 2 weeks and it'll be neat to see how much I have improved since mid-October.

Bikingmomof3

11-16-2006, 12:27 PM

OTG- why 39 days? I missed it or forgot. :o

Enjoy the 5k. :)

Offthegrid

11-16-2006, 12:34 PM

Why 39 days?

Really, I just want to lose about 10-15 pounds more. My trainer suggested in January I start jogging, and I asked if I could jog on Christmas Day. He said that'd be OK. :D

My long walks are 5 miles now at over 4 mph pace, so I have the fitness; I just want to lose a bit more weight.

I can't WAIT for Christmas!

Bikingmomof3

11-16-2006, 01:01 PM

You sound to me like you are in very good cardiovascular shape. :)

Crankin

11-16-2006, 05:26 PM

Hey Tasha,

Actually REALLY good instructors can do an awesome class off of the bike; some of the best ones do. S/he should spend the time walking around and checking client's postions, HR, percieved exertion, etc. But, it sounds like this one was just not so good. I've only run once since my last post and that was only 22 minutes, with some walking in there. I think I should should probably back off some of the speed and go for the mileage, but I'm afraid I'll get stuck at a slower speed. I am very comfortable running at 5.5 or 5.7 mph. I did one of the Cyclo-Zen DVDs today. It was 30 minutes of yoga and an interval ride on the trainer. Oh my God. The yoga was OK (I've never done it) and I didn't feel too uncoordinated, but the riding was so hard. It was 5 repeats in the big ring for 3 minutes, with a one minute rest between each interval. Each time I had to put it into a harder cog, too (I only used 3 though). And, you were supposed to be doing this at a 100 rpm cadence! I could barely get above 75, with bursts to 82. So if I do this once a week, like you're supposed to, I hope to get up to an 85-90 cadence, which for me would be a lot. Normally i ride at around 75-85 in an easier gear. I'm finding that I haven't been going to the gym much and we have plenty of stuff now, set up in my loft at home. I am not going to start the official Cyclo Core training, with the 12 week program until December 1st.

Robyn

eclectic

11-17-2006, 06:38 AM

OTG - awesome walking prowress!

I can understand the wanting to lose a few more LBS (I mean lbs :) before running - It will be easier on your knees - good luck!

I am trying to drop another 10-15 lbs (I am down 12.5 since mid September and 22.5 since last January - I figure it is cheaper to lighten up my body than buy a lighter bike :D ) - why is it so much easier to put it on than take it off ??? Spoken by all dieters everywhere

robyn - whoa 3 min 100 rpm in big ring ouch! How is that on your knees?
Does running work like cycling where you get a good base laid then start working on speed?
that is my plan anyway, I talked to one of our phy ed teachers here and she told me to get the distance worked up first then start working on sprints. I have a ways to go on the distance so it will definately be awhile before I sprint.

Crankin

11-18-2006, 05:20 AM

Yep, running is like cycling, in that you should train by periodization; set your base first. Of course, I haven't been doing that! I was stuck at cycling at 12-13 mph for a couple of years because I didn't push myself. I'm trying to push more with the running. As to the DVD interval training, yes, I think 100 rpm in the big ring is bad for your knees. Mine were complaining just a little after the workout and I wasn't going anywhere near that fast. It's just physically impossible for me now. I don't have the strength. I know this is to build strength/power, but when I'm on the bike I tend to let the terrain build my strength and use the easiest gear that I can go the fastest in. I spin up hills and so far that has worked for me, even on the biggest ones in Europe.
I am constantly amazed at how out of shape I feel with every new thing I try. If I feel this way, what do really out of shape people feel like?!!

Kimmyt

11-18-2006, 05:25 AM

Robyn, I realized this a few days ago as well. I was running, and huffing and panting. Compared to most people I work around, though, I am very fit. So if it is this hard for me, how is it for those people who lose tons of weight and start at a level of fitness I can't even comprehend? It made me respect them ever so much more.... what determination, what drive!

light_sabe_r

11-20-2006, 10:27 AM

Well I feel RIGHT back into it!

Yesturday I went to the pool for the first time in two weeks (been a bit sick) and just did some training drills

6 laps kickboard
6 laps freestyle arms only (using that between legs floatie thing)
50m freestyle
50m backstroke...

Then my foot cramped!!! I was hoping to do 300m each of freestyle and backstroke but I was GONE....

I realise that I CAN do the distance if I just pace myself! WOOHOO... Now I just got to put the arms and legs working at the same time. he he he

THREE WEEKS TO GO!

Offthegrid... You're going to be starting to run in the middle of winter?? Man you girls are more committed than I am!!! You're INSPIRATIONAL!!!

tygab

11-20-2006, 03:12 PM

Light, I think the leg thingy you reference is a pool buoy/pull buoy. That is great that you got swimming again with no ill effects... the important thing for us all is when we fall off training for whatever reason, not to be negative about it and just pick it up again.

I ran my 5k yesterday in a stiff rainshower, after getting in at 3am ET(12 am local). But Vancouver peeps are hardy and they turned out to run. I had a great time. Plus I got a new best time for race conditions. Normally I run on the treadmill.

I came in around 34 40 on a hilly course. Even my marathoner sister thought it was hilly. so I was psyched. I am getting used to running in tough weather so when the sun comes around it will seem like a picnic!

Right now I am people watching in downtown Vancouver. It is a great city. we have been hotel camping since the house has been without power for days...

I am hoping to go snowshoe/ski later in the week, as well as another run or two.

Crankin

11-20-2006, 04:28 PM

Good job on the run, Tasha. I am still doubting this triathalon thing. I HAVE to run tomorrow! haven't done it in a week, been cycling outside, doing my Cyclo-core, yoga, etc. Then I happened to read one of the other threads about tri's and swimming. More than one person was talking about someone who "almost drowned' at their first tri. Now they are learning to breath, kick, etc.
This is what i am scared of. Yes, I can swim, but generally I don't put my head in the water because I can't coordinate the breathing and stroke. In fact, I rarely swim the front stroke. Well, enough with the complaining. I'm giving myself until January to deal with my health club situation and find swim lessons. I figured I did the century without a whole lot of extra training and i was fine, so with the swim lessons and a bit more running I should be OK.

light_sabe_r

11-20-2006, 05:01 PM

:p You tell one person...

I told my cousin about the tri... now she wants to enter! WOOHOO! I have a training buddy. One of her mates from work is going to be entering too... So we'll all be looking out for each other on the course.

Robyn, If you can't find a heated pool to practice breathing in... What about a bath? Fill one up, put on your goggles and get used to breathing out when your head's down, and lifting your head from the right side only

In primary school we were taught "Left arm out, BREATHE out, Right arm out Breath in!"

even if we could do it longer we had to drill like that for ages,

THEN when you get in the pool practice using the kickboard and getting your arms above your ears. Short bursts at first, no arm movement. It's gonna sound childish but blow out for as long as you can then lift your head to the right. I usually do 6 kicks for every breath... (that's 3 per arm stroke) which is probably why I'm all out of puff when I reach 150m... so start slower. BF is currently training like this as he can only do 15m without becomming all out of breath. (Asthma plays a big part in his inability to swim though)

Once you've mastered the breathing on the kickboard bring the arms in. Go SLOW. And when your left arm is out of the water keep your head down and breath out, and when your right arm is up, tilt your head and BREATH IN

Before you know it. HEY! You're a freestyler! ^_^

Speaking of freestylers... Ian Thorpe's just retired from swimming! I wish I could retire from my profession at 24!!! Good on him though, 8 gold medals at the olympics... lots of world records... He's a legend! Maybe all I need is the size 21 feet he has.

Bikingmomof3

11-20-2006, 05:08 PM

Yay, you have a tri budy! Enjoy the training. :)

Offthegrid

11-20-2006, 05:11 PM

Offthegrid... You're going to be starting to run in the middle of winter?? Man you girls are more committed than I am!!! You're INSPIRATIONAL!!!

Ah, but I have many dates with the dreadmill ... actually, it's kinda good because I can be very controlled about the pace, intervals, etc. And if I die, I think there's an AED at the gym. :D

Bikingmomof3

11-20-2006, 05:17 PM

Ah, but I have many dates with the dreadmill ... actually, it's kinda good because I can be very controlled about the pace, intervals, etc. And if I die, I think there's an AED at the gym. :D

Cleaver. See, I run at night and if I pass out who will find me? ;) Speaking of which, I am very late for my wintery run.

Kimmyt

11-20-2006, 05:55 PM

It is infectious, isn't it? I told a few friends about it and now we have a good group of about 5 or 6 doing it now.

At first I was upset because it felt like they were stealing my thunder, but then I realized TRAINING BUDDIES and better yet, COMPETITION!!! A few of us ran together on Saturday (it was COLD but good! I ran 2 whole miles for the first time in my life without stopping once).

Anyways, today at swim class I had such an awesome amazing time. We ended up doing some distances, so swam 3 sets of 300 meters, and I completely zoned out during the sets, and before I knew it it was over and I felt like I could do the whole thing over again. !Awesome!

Bikingmomof3

11-20-2006, 06:30 PM

Kimmyt,
Congrats on your run. :) I love running in the cold.

Crankin

11-21-2006, 05:14 AM

DeniseGoldberg

11-21-2006, 05:50 AM

I always breathe and turn my head to the left. It feels more natural.
Robyn -
I don't know what made me read this thread today since it's not a place where I normally go, and a triathlon is not in my future. But, from a pure swimming standpoint, I don't believe there is anything wrong with your breathing on the left side as opposed to the right. In fact, there are racers who breathe every third stroke, meaning they breathe both to the right and the left. This article may be helpful: http://www.totalimmersion.net/2005articles/february/breathing.html

--- Denise

JmcG

11-21-2006, 06:36 AM

Robyn -
I don't know what made me read this thread today since it's not a place where I normally go, and atriathlon is not in my future. But, from a pure swimming standpoint, I don't believe there is anything wrong with your breathing on the left side as opposed to the right. In fact, there are racers who breathe every third stroke, meaning they breathe both to the right and the left. This article may be helpful: http://www.totalimmersion.net/2005articles/february/breathing.html

--- Denise

When I read light saber's message, I assumed she meant "right side breathe IN" as an example - not necessarily that's where you have to breathe (if, for example, left is more comfortable for you). But Denise is definitely correct - once you get the swimming and breathing part down, what you ideally want to do is bilateral breathing - every 3 strokes breathe so that you're balancing out your strokes and breathing. In triathlon, it's always good to be able to breathe to both sides. There are a few reasons for this:

-Say you're in a lake or ocean swim and it's an out and back course - going out the sun may be on your left side, coming back it will be on your right. You want to be able to breathe to both sides so that in this instance, you can breathe to the side where the sun is not.....

-Bilateral breathing straightens out your stroke so you're not swimming off course so easily - and makes it less important to spot as often.

-If you're on a longer course, and you only breathe on one side, you can fatigue much quicker, and have no options to be able to breathe on the other side to give your favored side a rest.

Those are just a few reasons to really be able to breathe on both sides in a triathlon. If you can't breathe to both sides now and are just trying to figure out how to breathe in the water - do not attempt to work on this aspect before you get your technique and breathing down. Once you feel comfortable with your stroke, your breathing, you technique - then you can start practicing breathing on the side that's not so comfortable. The way I did it was in my warm up and cool downs, I would start breathing to my uncomfortable side - since I'm going slower I have longer to take a breath, etc. and eventually I would start bilateral breathing in my warmup/cooldown. And now all my swimming is bilateral breathing. It takes time and patience, but you will see the benefits in the end! And like I said - focus on your stroke and technique first - make sure it's almost perfect before you attempt to work on your bilateral breathing! You want to master the technique b/c I guarantee you that the technique will fall apart fast when you try to breathe on your uncomfortable side - so you need a base to come back to and regroup!
Good luck everyone! And great job on the training.

eclectic

11-21-2006, 07:26 AM

Thanks for the swim lesson! Now I know why i can't swim. I always breathe and turn my head to the left. It feels more natural. In fact, I have trouble with this with cycling,too. I am right handed, but "left sided/dominant." In other words, my laterality is really screwed up. I will start practicing in the tub for the next month and then start the lessons.....
It doesn't seem chfldish. I am a real learn by doing person and I have to do things a lot to unlearn bad habits from muscle memory.

Robyn

I am a left side breather also and don't have any problem. I have found you learn best what comes naturally. I can breathe on my right when I do 3 count breathing but it feels awkward to do it all the time.

I have found that most people have trouble breathing because their body and arm position is wrong and they have their head too far out of the water. the back of the neck should be elongated, your chin in your chest and eyes directly down at the bottom of the pool - to breathe you rotate from your hips not your neck. Also your right ear stays in the water and your mouth barely comes out

The best way to learn by far is to get a competitive swimmers snorkel (different than snorkeling snorkels) and nose plug and get the muscle memory for proper body and head position. Once you take the snorkel off the rotation to breathe comes naturally. A friend of mine who couldn't do crawl stroke at all just went through this way of learning last year and now keeps up with me on 50 yd sprints :mad: I can still do them w/ less recovery time though :D

eclectic

11-21-2006, 08:03 AM

IA few of us ran together on Saturday (it was COLD but good! I ran 2 whole miles for the first time in my life without stopping once).

Anyways, today at swim class I had such an awesome amazing time. We ended up doing some distances, so swam 3 sets of 300 meters, and I completely zoned out during the sets, and before I knew it it was over and I felt like I could do the whole thing over again. !Awesome!

Way to go! ! ! :D :D :D :D

Kimmyt

11-21-2006, 08:36 AM

Thanks!

Re: the breathing discussion, I'm a 'left breather' as well. Recently I've been trying to breath bilaterally and have been having moderate success (however when I feel the need to breath really deep or rest, I tend to lapse back into left-only breathing).

Last night with the 300s (the longest nonstop distance I've swam in some time) I did the first 300 just left-breathing and found that my left obliques in my back got very tight from the rotation and breathing always on the same side. I started doing every 3rd stroke and while I had to focus a bit more to do it, it became natural after a few laps and my back didn't get as sore.

Offthegrid

11-21-2006, 08:45 AM

I just wanted to post to those of you trying to learn to bilaterally breathe that it CAN happen with time and practice. I knew I had to learn to breathe on my right side for triathlon, so I'd do drills and then every other lap had to breathe with my weak side. Now I can breathe on both sides and don't feel awkward about it at all anymore.

Although, I still can't breathe on only every third stroke. I do a 2-3-2-3 pattern. I do a drill where I force myself to breathe only every 3rd stroke. I'll make this longer and longer until I can finally do it for everything.

Crankin

11-21-2006, 10:13 AM

Bikingmomof3

11-21-2006, 10:21 AM

I am glad to know that at least my alternate side breathing is "normal". I was too embarassed to ask. :o

light_sabe_r

11-21-2006, 11:02 AM

Hehehe.

Sorry for the confusion about which side to breathe on, I was just repeating what I had drummed into me at school. (therefore I'm a righty, and wwen I got to highschool everyone else was a rightie breather too)

But still give the kickboard thing a try!

tygab

11-21-2006, 02:09 PM

hmmm... I am realizing I don't know very much about swimming from this thread. my pool time could be quite interesting. I think I am a left breather but it's been so long since I've done any pool training I can't be sure. I definitely will be trying light's kickboard drill. I am hoping to pick up a DVD or two on technique also.

my sis and I went for a run today, on some very hilly terrain near her house. Got my HR well above my usual. I enjoy being able to join her on her runs, instead of waiting for her to come back! She did run ahead of me most of the time, but it was still a lot of fun. :)

KSH

11-21-2006, 04:56 PM

Swimming and Breathing.

I was a competitive swimmer. I only breathed on my right side, and try as I might, I still just breathe on my right side.

It's just how I swim, and it works just fine for me. I'm not a slow swimmer... and I typically come out of the water top 3 in my age group.

Look, do what feels comfortable. That's my motto.

I will say this though, I can get a bit of neck cramp swimming long distances and only breathing on that side.

Also, if you can breathe on both sides comfortably, when needed, you can breathe on the side where the waves are NOT hitting you in the face. :)

Crankin

11-22-2006, 04:33 AM

eclectic

11-22-2006, 01:08 PM

eclectic

11-22-2006, 01:09 PM

hmmm... I am realizing I don't know very much about swimming from this thread.

Start talking about running technique and I will be totally in the dark - in fact if anyone has anything to share bring it on!

eclectic

11-22-2006, 01:16 PM

Well, I never thought this stuff was so complicated! I know that I have sseen some competitive swimmers take a breath on both sides, so ... I know that I need lessons! The thought of putting noseplugs on and a snorkel scares me to death. I have never been able to go snorkling with my family because I feel like I can't breathe and get pretty claustrophobic.

sorry :( I forget that not all people jump off docks when they are 3 years old and can't figure out why everyone is in a panic :p

Some of the ladies I swim with feel the same way so never wear one. I must say though that those that got over the fear improved way faster than those that didn't.

With all this discussion and reading the total immersion article I have discovered that one of the reasons I may fatigue faster is I am not exhaling long enough before inhaling - something new to work on AND doing laps of "wrong side" breathing instead of just bilateral WHEW!

Good luck and have a great run (I myself am waiting for THAT day :)

tygab

11-24-2006, 04:54 PM

Tasha, are we still on for running next Sat., the 2nd? I will be well rested (ha) because I haven't done any running in awhile. My bike just keeps calling me. I will do some running over the holiday. What I've noticed is that since I got my trainer and some weights at home I have hardly been to the health club. I do miss the social aspects, since I've known some of these people for 10 years, but it's nice to know that I can stay fit with the mini gym in my loft. Maybe one day we can run and then you can come over and do one of the Cyclo Core DVDs.

Robyn

Absolutely - sorry for the response delay, have been busy with the family. But yes, let's plan to run. I admire you're still out biking, I just can't motivate to ride outside at this time of year. I would love to do a DVD exchange with you (temporary), for trainer variety, if you're interested. I don't know the cyclo core routines at all but I am hoping to get a few over the holidays. ;^)

My activity log while here this week (Sat to Sat): 1 5k, 1 local hilly run, 1 ~3hr snowshoe outing, 1 day downhill skiing, and 1 attempt at snowboarding (took my first lesson today and man was that a lot of work! mostly getting up after falling, and completely different from skiing ;) Fortunately it was really soft snow.). So not bad for a week - I wouldn't mind having more weeks like this anyway - lots of fun and variety. Tomorrow is a rest (and travel) day. I love it out here, hope I can get back soon....

Crankin

11-25-2006, 07:15 AM

I finally went running yesterday, as I didn't want to take the time for a ride (though I did do a mtb ride on Wed..). I think I ran about 3 miles, but I don't know the exact mileage, since I did a warm up and cool down, too. Anyway, the "running time" was about 31.5 minutes. I tried to go slower, too, so I guess I'm on target. I didn't feel as wiped out as the last longer run. The flexibility DVD must be helping, because my groin didn't hurt, although my right shin is a bit sore today. I managed to run up 3/4 of my hill, very slowly, but still running. Will try running again on Tuesday.

Going for a short ride today and a longer one toimorrow. Sixty degrees!!

Robyn

mel1976

11-27-2006, 01:33 AM

Well I've been lurking for a few months now, and thought that I should finally post something.

I'm currently training for a duathlon in April 2007. The duathlon is being run by the university that I work for and is an inter-campus challenge between our three campuses. The duathlon is 3km run, 12 km bike, 3km run.

I've also agreed to enter the Corporate triathlon that is held towards the end of April 2007. This triathlon consists of 400m swim in a canal, 10 km cycle and 4km run. Its a bit of a tag team event whereby three people complete the full course, ie swim, bike, run and then tags there team mate. Sounds like fun :)

These will be my first duathlon and triathlon.

I did start training earlier in the year, however a few relationship issues played havoc with my ability to focus and concentrate on me. I'm now single (after 11years!) and therefore have plenty of time on my hands to train which also helps take my mind off my personal problems. Its such a great boost to your self esteem and outlook on life!

The biking bit seems fine, I've been riding for a few weeks, an average of around 20 to 25kms (12 to 15 miles) per ride around 3 to 4 times per week. Tomorrow will also be my first 35km ride with my LBS squad.

The walking/running will be fine. I'm walking 5kms 3 to 4 times per week at present to build some overall fitness and within about 4 weeks hope to be at least running/walking this distance. The training I'm doing for this is up and down some hills near where I live, so its a pretty good workout.

The problem for me is swimming. Something I've never been good at and hence something I've never enjoyed. I was getting some coaching earlier in the year, but had to stop this. I was finding that it wasn't really helping and I was getting more confused that anything else. Have read great things about Total Immersion's DVDs and Books, and therefore ordered these over the weekend. I'm not currently swimming, but plan on starting within the next couple of weeks. The prospect of swimming 400metres, let alone 400metres in open water is very daunting to me. Any tips or assistance would be great.

I realise the swim will be my weakest leg and therefore the one that I should be doing the most training for. Easier said than done unfortunately.

Time for me to go to bed. Have to be up about 4.45am to make it to the LBS before the commencement of my 6.00am ride.

Mel

light_sabe_r

11-27-2006, 03:05 PM

OH WOW!!! Hi Mel!!! A fellow brisbanite!!! and a first timer too! Are you just competing in those two?? Which University is running it? UQ? QUT? Griffith? Let me know! The Gatorade and the BRIBIE Island Tri series have those shorter enticers and will allow you to compete in a team as well. Oh well. One Tri at a Time I guess. (Our Aussie Contingent is GROWING!)

^_^

Okay. So my main focus this week is getting my new road bike ready for the Amy's ride. (9th DEC - 45km Surfers Paradise; GOLD COAST) or Gatorade LOOK ENTICER tri (17 Dec Raby Bay; REDLANDS)

Clipping in and out seems to be quite easy so far...

My problem is... the brakes don't work... I'm gonna steel wool the rims and the pads just to roughen it up a bit. It's VERY scarey coming down the hills and not being able to stop.

my cousin and I are still running. during the week. And I'm finally up to doing the 3km distance. WOOHOO! I actually LOVE run training now. I'd say that's going to be my strongest part of the tri probably...

Swimming training is going well. I just need to slow down some more so I'm not exhausted at 200m... (which is 4x better than my last effort)

IMPROOVEMENTS on the SWIM and RUN are fantastic... now I just need to get used to the new bike.

KSH

11-27-2006, 07:26 PM

Hey Mel! Good luck with your training for your du and tri! Very exciting stuff. :D

I would also encourage you to start doing at least one brick a week, once you feel like your have your running up to par (for your goals). Especially with the du... you are going to need to train your legs to feel good going from bike to run.

Keep us posted on your training and progress! And keep at the running... sooner than you think... you will be running the entire distance!

KSH

11-27-2006, 07:28 PM

My problem is... the brakes don't work... I'm gonna steel wool the rims and the pads just to roughen it up a bit. It's VERY scarey coming down the hills and not being able to stop.

I would check with the LBS before scratching up your rims. That might do more harm than good.

I know when my brakes have been "iffy"... or loose... it was because the tension wasn't tight enough. It's a simple adjustment and your LBS can show you how to do it.

Please check with your LBS before you scratch up your rims. I'm not an expert though... and maybe you know something I don't know... but there might be another reason why your brakes are not gripping hard enough.

Good luck!

alpinerabbit

11-28-2006, 06:07 AM

Soo.... as I incease the km-ageI know can do - how do I keep from getting frustrated or having a bad conscience if I do not run as far or fast as I can? Mind you, it isn't very fast yet, nor far....

For example:

I am signed up for an 8.6 km race in a week and a half. I signed up because I know I can do 10 km in about an hour, and I have never participated in anything like it. It goes through our old town which is all dressed up for Xmas. It has a category for pros and for normal folks.

I participated in a practice run they put up. I joined the group that would take 42-45 minutes for the run at the speed we had, and I had to work hard to keep up.

So the last couple of weeks I ran several times, among those:

a)fast, 45 minutes at my 85% max HR (cough. *blush*. at times it was way over...)
b)hill repeats (there is one nasty ascent)
c)a 1hr run with boyfriend at an easy pace which turned out to be getting faster as he warmed up, and a long, all-out hill at the end (gasp! I always used to walk that one!)

Today in my lunch hour I did an easy run, all flat, at "talking speed" at all times. I felt like turning in after 45 minutes, although I could have done it all again I think... so was I a good girl or bad?

eclectic

11-28-2006, 11:19 AM

Hello all ! !

sounds like some exciting things happening out there.

I was hoping to do the blizzard biathlon in Feb but found out it is a 5 mile run, not 5k. :( No desire to do that in the cold! I just happened to run into a friend who had talked about teaming it so he is going to run and I am going to swim.

I finally ordered Eric Harr's book and one other I can't remember the name of offhand. Now I can' t wait for them to get here.

Meanwhile I am still blindly going on my merry little way, but I discovered my training plan isn't.

Due to life and schedules it has evolved into pretty much a rotation plan. run, swim, bike, off, run, whatever works, whatever works, off, off etc. Life things are slowing down so maybe more of a routine can be established.

I read the total immersion article about head position and breathing. I concentrated on my exhale and what a difference fatiguewise! the bubbles feel wierd around my ears but I'll get used to them :D

Cycling is pretty much in maintainance mode right now. A work out on the trainer or spinning class

I am still mostly concentrating on the running. I am trying the 10% time per week. I never knew 2 minutes could be so long!
I am up to 26 minutes this week after still doing the 1/2hr elliptical. My pace has started to slowly increase 5.5 for the first while, 5.7, then inching up to 6.0 for the last 4 or five minutes. It is starting to feel a little easier but I must say running is pretty boring, same motion over and over and over - at least w/ cycling a person gets to make decisions and shift now and again :p

I did a 550 yard freestyle swim to time myself. I did it at the beginning of my workout and completed it in 11 minutes. It was at an easy pace throughout so non-fatigueing (in fact I completed 1500 yds after I was done)

Question is this:
How do you pace yourself on the swim knowing you have a bike and run coming up. I could have gone faster, but would it be worth tiring myself out to only gain a minute? I will not be competing at a competitive level more just against myself.

mel1976

11-28-2006, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome :D

OH WOW!!! Hi Mel!!! A fellow brisbanite!!! and a first timer too! Are you just competing in those two?? Which University is running it? UQ? QUT? Griffith? Let me know!

The du is being run by USQ which is where I work, I believe its on 1st April 2007 in Toowoomba. I'm not sure whether its an open event, or only limited to staff/students at the uni. I'll let you know when I find out more.

I was considering entering one of the LOOK enticer tris but just not sure at this point. Apart from working full time, I'm also studying full time (3 units over summer semester), and trying to fit in training for all three disciplines. I might wait until Jan/Feb 2007 to see how I'm going and then make a decision about entering the other tris.

I'm also planning on completing some more fun runs early next year as well. Completed the Ipswich Park to Park 5km run earlier this year in 35:30 which I thought was a pretty good effort given how hilly the course was.

Up early again this morning (4.45am) to try and beat the heat on my walk/run. Enjoying the early morning starts and the crispness in the air.

Absolutely love the bike riding... don't enjoy going up the hill, but love coming down them... managed to get up to 60km/h (37mph) the other morning. Probably crazy for someone who's only been riding a road bike for 3 weeks.... Ah my moto to life is here for a good time, not a long time!

Have a fab day ladies.

eclectic

11-28-2006, 12:52 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome :D

Up early again this morning (4.45am) to try and beat the heat on my walk/run. Enjoying the early morning starts and the crispness in the air.

Have a fab day ladies.

Fun reading your posts Mel :) Good luck w/ your training and busy schedule WOW ! ! !

How things change, just 3 short months ago we were up early to beat the heat NOW it is bundle up - forecast is for minus 10 F tomorrow night with 30 MPH winds. :mad:

KSH

11-28-2006, 03:00 PM

Question is this:
How do you pace yourself on the swim knowing you have a bike and run coming up. I could have gone faster, but would it be worth tiring myself out to only gain a minute? I will not be competing at a competitive level more just against myself.
__________________

Well, I know for me... I focus on long strokes that allow me to glide. I do not kick a lot (unless it's in open water with a current/waves)... and I monitor my breathing.

If I can do 4 strokes without having to breathe and I am gliding through the water, I know I am saving myself for the bike and run.

BUT if I am kicking like a mad woman... breathing every 2 strokes (and still gasping for air) and my strokes are short and choppy... I know I am going all out and I need to back off.

Just like with running... you find out how to pace yourself as you get more advanced. You start to get a feel for what your sprint effort is and what your cruising effort is.

Bikingmomof3

11-28-2006, 03:27 PM

Just like with running... you find out how to pace yourself as you get more advanced. You start to get a feel for what your sprint effort is and what your cruising effort is.

I am still trying to figure this out, hopefully it will click soon.

light_sabe_r

11-28-2006, 08:18 PM

Well, I know for me... I focus on long strokes that allow me to glide. I do not kick a lot (unless it's in open water with a current/waves)... and I monitor my breathing.

If I can do 4 strokes without having to breathe and I am gliding through the water, I know I am saving myself for the bike and run.

BUT if I am kicking like a mad woman... breathing every 2 strokes (and still gasping for air) and my strokes are short and choppy... I know I am going all out and I need to back off.

Just like with running... you find out how to pace yourself as you get more advanced. You start to get a feel for what your sprint effort is and what your cruising effort is.

AHHH! So KSH is arm strokes more important that leg kicks when it comes to tris?? I mean on the bike you're using a different muscle group to the pool if youonly use your arms right??

eclectic

11-29-2006, 12:58 PM

Well, I know for me... I focus on long strokes that allow me to glide. I do not kick a lot (unless it's in open water with a current/waves)... and I monitor my breathing.
.

Not kicking alot won't be a problem - I have a lousy kick, basically it just keeps my legs floating :) not a lot a forward momentum :(

re pacing like running - need to work on that end too - I have no pace beyond slow !

KSH

11-29-2006, 01:23 PM

AHHH! So KSH is arm strokes more important that leg kicks when it comes to tris?? I mean on the bike you're using a different muscle group to the pool if youonly use your arms right??

More important?

Uuuummm... well... let me just say this... a front crawl stroke with very good form, can be very effective without a lot of kicking involved.

The key is learning how to insert your arms in correctly... so you can glide. A goal might be to try to get to the other end of the pool with less strokes than the lap before.

There are many times in the pool that I am passing people in the lanes next to me... and they are making a huge splash and working very hard to get to the other end... where I am gliding, focused on my stroke, with a small kick to keep my legs involved... with very little splashing happening.

Thus... swimming is ALL ABOUT FORM. You can have horrible running form and still go fast... you can't have horrible swim form and still go fast.

Finally... if you think about it, if you can swim fast with very little kicking... that only saves your legs for the run. Of course, a good strong kick does come into play when you need to power through waves or currents.

Kimmyt

11-29-2006, 06:09 PM

w00t!

just wanted to share my happies... today in swim class we did a T30 and i got in 1400 meters so I feel soooo much more confident now about being able to do the 900 meters in this tri (which is in June, so I have a ton of time!).... maybe I should set a goal of doing the swim in under 20 min?

Yay!

K.

HillSlugger

11-30-2006, 05:52 AM

I had my first swim coaching session last night. When I went on my own last week it was pretty obvious to me that my kick needed work. I found out yesterday that my kick is all wrong :eek: I have what she called a "trudging" kick. She's got me working on properly kicking from the hips and has recommended that I get swim fins.

Do others practice with fins? Can you make a recommendation on types/brands/models?

Thanks, Nicole

eclectic

11-30-2006, 08:47 AM

Do others practice with fins? Can you make a recommendation on types/brands/models?

Thanks, Nicole

I started out w/ long fins, but no recommendation on model, we had them supplied for us. I then went to short fins which I LOVED - you can still do flip turns and when you take them off you don't notice as much how much you slow down. You can also do an ok breast stroke whip kick w/ them - check w/ your coach and see if these would work for you instead of the long ones. Any type of fin helps your legs float better.

Just be careful - I had to suffer through some nasty blisters until I got used to them. (One guy that swam w/ us bought scuba socks to line them and that really helped. I used water repellent athletic tape and wrapped my toes.

eclectic

11-30-2006, 04:04 PM

Can you make a recommendation on types/brands/models?

Thanks, Nicole

these are the short ones we used:

http://www.lane4swim.com/zommerblue.html

I don't know about the specific store just using photo and type for referance

tygab

11-30-2006, 06:55 PM

a less than stellar workout today...

I ran tonight, starting at a faster pace to try and work on my time. But I was just fidgety and unhappy the whole time. I felt sore and even walked some. Dunno if it was because I hadn't eaten a good lunch, or hadn't run in a week, or worked really long hours, or because my pod battery conked out on me, or what.

I'm a little bummed out about it but I told myself that these kinds of days happen... I guess a bad run is still better than no run.

Bikingmomof3

11-30-2006, 07:51 PM

Tygab,
Sorry the run was not as god as you wanted. I have had some of those. Your next run will go well. And yes, some running is better than no running. :)

HillSlugger

12-01-2006, 06:49 AM

I started my running back in the last week of October. For the first 4 weeks (excluding my second run) each time out was a new personal best for pace, distance, or both. I was at the point where I was only walking once over 2.5 miles and expecting to reach "no walking" the following week. These last two weeks I was going backwards, feeling like my legs would fall off if I didn't stop to walk. The number of walks went up and my pace went down. Today, I seem back on track. I went 2 miles before my one walk (I probably could have made it a no-walk run but didn't want to push it too much) and had my pace back under 12 min/mile. The weather today was unusually warm (64 degrees) and I ran in shorts and a short sleeve top. I'm wondering if the warmer temps played a part by helping me loosen up faster and run better.

alpinerabbit

12-02-2006, 08:02 AM

eclectic

12-02-2006, 02:48 PM

Ta-daa... crawled my first 500 meters in one piece this morning. Then went shopping, home and ran 11 k! In a mere 1.15. LOL - I am THAT slow - and I felt fast!

I could do it right now... just slowly. and I do not want to be last.

11 k in 1.15 - compared to me you are a jack rabbit :)

ran last night for 26 minutes with the middle ten at a 10 minute mile and the remainder at 10.5, I thought I was just cruising :D :D :D
This week I bump it up to 28 min :eek:

Well off to swim

Offthegrid

12-02-2006, 05:52 PM

This is totally shameful self-promotion, but I got hardware in a 5K competitive walk today!!!! See my report here (http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?p=149669#post149669).

Bikingmomof3

12-02-2006, 05:57 PM

Congratulations OTG! :cool:

eclectic

12-02-2006, 10:18 PM

I posted on the link too

but a person can never get too many "WAY TO GO ! ! ! high 5!"

Offthegrid

12-05-2006, 04:57 AM

My swimming's really coming along. This morning I was able to breathe only every 3rd stroke for my entire 600 meter long set. (I had been breathing 2-3-2-3.) It felt like I was going faster, too, but I wasn't timing myself, which I really should start doing.

I'm almost up to the minimum required to be able to join masters (1,600 meters), but I don't think if I'd join anyway. I watched one of their practices, and they were doing 4 x 100M IMs. I can't swim fly and have no interest in learning because it's not going to help me in a tri.

MD, I know this is a little late, but did your coach say why you should be working on your kick for triathlons? In tris, your legs are more or less along for the ride. I'm obviously no expert, but everything I've read and heard says that triathletes kick only a little to conserve energy and their legs. (Hey, if swimming were about strong legs, we'd all be able to do 3,000 meters by now.) But it is important to make sure your feet are together and not dragging.

HillSlugger

12-05-2006, 06:44 AM

MD, I know this is a little late, but did your coach say why you should be working on your kick for triathlons? In tris, your legs are more or less along for the ride. I'm obviously no expert, but everything I've read and heard says that triathletes kick only a little to conserve energy and their legs. (Hey, if swimming were about strong legs, we'd all be able to do 3,000 meters by now.) But it is important to make sure your feet are together and not dragging.

She did not explicitly say, but I can figure it out from what she did say:
1. you need some kick to keep your body from "fishtailing"
2. you don't want you legs causing drag and holding you back.

I used fins for the first time last night and they make a huge difference. It's almost impossible to kick wrong with them on. I've got a long way to go and lots of work to do on my breathing and endurance. As we agreed last night, I know how to swim but I'm not a swimmer ;)

eclectic

12-05-2006, 09:38 AM

I'm almost up to the minimum required to be able to join masters (1,600 meters), but I don't think if I'd join anyway. I watched one of their practices, and they were doing 4 x 100M IMs. I can't swim fly and have no interest in learning because it's not going to help me in a tri.

Are they that rigid that they don't modify for people's goals?????

I wish we had masters swimming here. (our group was kind of a loose knit masters - not official) Our coach modified EVERYTHING for whatever level people were at.

Any one know how master swimming gets started? I would like to see a good lap program started at the Y (I suppose I could probably do it but HEY I want to SWIM!)

But then I suppose it is good they don' t have it - I would then be torn between swimming and cycling (cycling probably would win out) :D

Kimmyt

12-05-2006, 10:28 AM

Well, the Masters program I am in is certainly skewed towards the competetive side of things. I joined partway in between the first and second session, so I missed the very beginning, but they definitely eased into things, with each set of 2-3 classes being spent on a stroke skillset, with the beginning of the night broken into warm-ups, drills, and then middle/end of the night with a good chunk of lap/drills and warm downs. By now we've moved on to no drill skillset, a pretty standard warmup and each class focusing on one thing, whether it be distance/speed/IM/other. We did an IM class the other day, ended up doing about 20 IMs in total, and I was completely dead. By the 8th or so I just started swimming laps because I couldn't get my arms out of the water for the fly anymore.

My class is pretty laidback, with about 3-4 people per lane, and those of us that are non-competetives (tri-training for ~3 of us) try to stay in our own lane "the slow lane". Now that we're out of stroke drills, we're mostly just doing training for competitions, and though that's not what I'm in it for, I find that it has benefits as well.

For example, I couldn't do the butterfly when I started class, but now I can almost do it. And I can almost do several laps of it! (Not in a row, of course). And while I will never do a lap of butterfly if I don't have to, I find that it has its benefits, particularly if you want to develop shoulder flexibility and strength which is of interest to me as a climber. Oh, and the cardio! I find the butterfly the most taxing stroke out there, but that could just be because I suck at it (I can only do 25 m at a time vs. almost infinitely more than that of free).

Also, we learned flip turns. And while I shouldn't need these in a tri, I think they will be useful in swimming laps because they give me a more 'sustained' feeling when I do large sets of laps, whereas if I do the wall-turn thing (3 point turn?) I have a tendency to linger a few seconds if I'm tired. When I do a flip, I get even a bit of increased effort effect in the core area, which I like (and find to add some difficulty, so yay!)

Anyway, I still pretty much refuse to do any block starts. If we do those I may do backstroke starts or something, but usually I and those in my lane will just swim laps on our own, and our coach is ok with that, because we're not on the masters team.

I guess it all depends on your coach and how strict they are, and if you discuss the fact that you are just taking this for a tri training program, and not to compete.

K.

eclectic

12-05-2006, 01:03 PM

thanks for all the great info Kimmyt! Oh how I wish we still had someone to coach here. AND I would like to train and swim competitively - I was torn between trying a tri and competing in just swimming next summer. I thought since I love to swim and love my bike and want to lose weight so why not learn to run, the Tri won out and I am really glad it did.

Got my Eric Hann book yesterday BTW - stayed up too late and now am tired all day - but will probably stay up too late again tonight :p

Offthegrid

12-05-2006, 02:09 PM

It is "strongly recommended" that swimmers can do at least 1,600 meters before joining the Masters group. (I did 1,400 this morning, but it took 50 minutes. :( ) I have not talked to anyone about it.

The morning group doesn't seem to have a coach. They were working off a printed workout sheet, but I didn't see anyone offering or giving any instructions or help and certainly no one was watching from outside the pool. One of the morning times conflicts with my spinning class.

I have heard the evening group is more competitive, but my schedule wouldn't let me attend the night group anyway.

I would like to learn to do flip turns, but I'm not there yet. And I'm so slow that even the slow lane would be too fast.

One thing that probably would benefit me more than anything else is swimming with another person in the lane. The turbulance won't simulate the amount of waves in open water, but certainly would be a start.

Kimmyt

12-05-2006, 06:17 PM

Is there a contact person for the Masters class? They might be in charge, but still in the water so it'll be hard to tell who it is. If you can get in contact with them, maybe ask them if they think you will be able to keep up. Keep in mind that most 'drill sheets' have different levels in them. i.e. they'll say do 4/3/2 100 IMs so you can do either 4,3, or 2 depending on how fast you swim.

If the class is self-propelled, then you may just be able to do your own thing.

Also, just because it says you should be able to swim 1600 meters, doesn't mean that you will be doing 1500 meter chunks all at once. In our class things are broken up, taking 20-30 seconds between repeats of a drill, and we only do long swims about 1x a month. Otherwise it just gets monotonous.

Good luck, and hopefully you can find a solution!

K.

eclectic

12-06-2006, 12:44 PM

Interesting info about the master classes - so there isn't always a coach. Just MAYBE I could get something going eventually then. We swam at the high school and our coach wouldn't swim but would write up the workouts on the boards, set the lane clock for different times for different people, explain how to do everything and watch and correct our strokes if we wanted her to. I think I was very spoiled :)

OTG
to get us started doing flip turns she had us:
- first stand in about chest deep water, tuck, turn, stand up in the same spot
- then swim to the wall tuck, turn, come up on your back and kick off the wall, on your back, underwater, w/ arms extended out (I wore a nose plug for this one)
- when you are comfortable doing that you then add the twist to your front
The way it is done you are actually twisting to your front after you have kicked off.

Sounds sooooo easy. I can do a decent one about every 4 times, my breathing/rhythm/arm stroke always seems to be off - you have a great start because you are just about always 3 count breathing.
I do the best ones when I have short fins on and am coming up to the wall w/ some speed then it is just zip and I am around!

1,400 in 50 minutes is nothing to shake a stick at! that would be about 1900 in an hour! Do they expect 1600 in 50 min? that is booking it and would leave most oldsters out of the loop unless they were wearing fins.

As Kimmyt said our amts. varied depending on what we were doing. I never got much done when it was "leg" day. Other days we would do 200's w/ a full minute rest or 25's w/ a 10sec rest.

YOU ARE DOING GREAT!!!!

eclectic

12-06-2006, 12:50 PM

I am finally thinking it may be time for a HR monitor

I have searched this forum and others, compared models, compared features, compared prices and now I AM TOTALLY LOST.

I swim, bike and try to run. I would like a HR monitor that would work for all 3 and not cost an arm and a leg. (not over $200, preferably a lot less) I don't need it to download to a computer, but I would like a cadence monitor on it.

What models does anyone recommend and what do they do? I am soooo bad at this stuff. Knowing me i would blindly get something, figure it out and then wish I had gotten something else

Bluetree

12-06-2006, 02:16 PM

Hi gals

Finally decided to check in here. I got my first race (a reverse sprint tri) on Sunday and it looks like... rain. :mad:

I've been getting training advice for the past few months from a friend who is a certified USATri/USACycling/TI swim coach and have finally decided to hire him to coach me. I felt too guilty using up his free time with my pesky questions. Actually, he's been really nice and offered me free advice on basic training and won't start billing me until I get into specialized OD training in the spring :D

So... here's my schedule leading up to my first race:

Friday: BIKE / 30 miles
Saturday: SWIM / 45 minutes
Sunday: BRICK / spin bike 1 hr. + 5k run
Monday: rest day
Tuesday: BIKE / spin bike, 2+ hours
Wednesday: RUN / 4 miles

Next up:
Thursday: 30 minute run followed by a 30 minute bike. Focus should be on form, fast leg turnover and a fast transition (race day prep).

Friday: Get on the treadmill or spin bike for 15 minutes, then quickly get to the pool for a 30 minute swim. Focus should be form, nice and relaxed the first 20 minutes, hard and fast the last the last 10 minutes.

Saturday: Relax and make sure you have all your equipment together and that you're ready to go (with check list). Lunch on Saturday will be your most important meal for the race, measured carb/proteins.

Sunday: Race day :eek:

Offthegrid

12-06-2006, 05:17 PM

Bluetree, that's so exciting -- your first race! I can't wait to read your race report. I'm hoping that you won't get rain. *crosses fingers*

Eclectic, see my response in the HRM thread. I may have the answer for you, but it is on the expensive side.

But the more you tell me about masters, the less interested I get. I have no interest in doing leg work in the water. I do enough of that with weights, cycling, spinning and walking, thank you. I haven't even looked into joining, so I have no idea how fast they want you to swim the 1,600 meters. All I know is that when I started swimming again in October, I started at 400 meters entirely with fins and it was a goal to work up to the minimum to join masters -- not because I WANTED to join masters, but just to have a goal.

Maybe when I get to 2,500 meters I'll work on flip turns. :D But now if I try I run out of breath and get water up my nose. I could probably do them with a nose plug, though, so maybe when I want to start doing them I'll swim some workouts with that and then gradually phase it out the same way I did with fins.

Offthegrid

12-06-2006, 05:17 PM

BTW, are we starting another TD? TE gals sure do love big threads. :p

light_sabe_r

12-07-2006, 03:00 PM

Hey girls...

I'm officially WORN OUT... One week from the tri.

I've got Tendosynitis or something in my right foot. It hasn't been treating me well PLUS my new bike doesn't like me. ;_; It keeps bucking me off.

Even though i've reached my swimming, running and Cycling distances... I'm to exhausted to continue training in the week that's left.

Meanwhile I've got the Amy Gillet RIDE tomorrow. 45km round surfers. HOORAY... Gonna do it on my hybrid cause I'm still not confident on experienced enough on my roadie.

GOOO bluetree!!!!

alpinerabbit

12-08-2006, 01:19 AM

I thought you were supposed to be tapering in your last week?

A guy from work suggested I do the local tri in August which is supposed to have a "participating is everyting" atmosphere. It starts off with a 2.5 km downriver swim.:eek: He said it takes about as long as 1K in the pool. then 35 / 9 k.

Bluetree

12-08-2006, 10:26 AM

Yes, Alpine. I was told to “tone it down” for the last week. There’s not much I can do with my fitness levels in one week. However, I’m doing a reverse tri this weekend and once my coach saw my training diary, he said I had to do some short reverse-transitioning drills.

Up to now, all my brick workouts were bike-run. I thought that run-bike would be no big deal. Well, run-bike is supposed to be easier, but I just found out it’s not exactly easy.

Yesterday, I came off the run in good shape, but once I got on the bike, it felt weird. It felt like I was riding someone else’s bike. My quads were pretty “active” from the run, and I had assumed it would be great to get into an easy spin. Again, wrong. I found out it’s much easier to start riding in a slightly bigger gear and let my quads/gluts get gradually accustomed to lesser resistance. Okay, got the point.

In my bike-swim drill this morning, I got off the spin bike all gangbusters and eager to hit the pool. I was out of breath and puffing 15 minutes into the swim. Lesson learned: keep the heart rate down and don’t bolt out of transition. Oh, and don’t forget to eat. I forgot to eat dinner last night and breakfast this morning, and paid for it today.

Forecast for race day:
Low: 40°F / 4°C
High: 56°F / 13°C
Chance of rain: 56%

eclectic

12-08-2006, 01:16 PM

Whoo Hoo ladies ! ! ! ! GO! GO ! GO ! Hooray ! ! ! clap clap clap

that is me cheering for you as you go whizzing by. GOOD LUCK!

Bluetree: a reverse tri sounds really interesting can't wait for the full report :)
I've always thought doing the swim last sounded more logical but I suppose if people are too tired it would be easier to drown than to just collapse at the finish line :p

OTG : thanks for all the good HR info now to just make the final decision. I think for me having one would be a good idea now that in less than 20 days I will be hitting the big 5-0

Re masters swimming - I think swimming would really have to be a passion to put that kind of intensity into it. It was my first love since I was 3 years old until I started cycling a couple of years ago. But around here there just wasn't anywhere to go do serious lap swimming until 5 years ago when our HS girls swim coach started a program. Now she has quit but I learned enough to do it on my own.
We don't have any community indoor pools - they are tied in w/ schools or you have to join the Y for mucho buckos and then all the aerobic ladies get mad at the lap swimmers for infringing on a whole 2 of their lanes.

Try flip turns - they're fun. At first I couldn't hold my breath all the way around either, so would only do them once in a great while. Now that I have started training for running I can easily hold it all the way around - cool!

- I've turned into a major water weenie now that I am older - I've gotten so I HATE water up my nose and in my ears so I wear earplugs and a nose plug. When I was younger I didn't care - it just came with the territory

eclectic

12-11-2006, 02:50 PM

Well I did it !

I ran my first non-stop 5k with other people watching :) I was slow, I was at the back of the pack BUT I only walked about 4 steps and that was because the light was red!

My friend who promised to stay w/ me did (and he is a marathoner - now that's a friend!) It truly was "no runner left behind"

the weather was PERFECT - high 30's F, no wind and blue blue skies, I of course could have worn 1 less layer.

I have never run in the winter before and wasn't used to the surface, sometimes dry, sometimes compacted snow, but the most difficult was where the snow had mixed with sand and created a powder, my foot would slip backwards on it, it wasn' t slushy just wierd feeling. My running partner just said " you eventually get used to it" I just thought that it made me work way harder

after the run there was cookies, bananas, hot chocolate, cider and good camaraderie - I am ready to do it again!

Bluetree

12-11-2006, 03:47 PM

Congrats Eclectic...

As a fellow slowbee, I can understand! :D My friends are also super athletes so I know how kind they are when they go at my (our) pace.
They were so genuinely excited for me in my first race. Yet, because they are ultramarathoners and Ironmen, I know what a drop it is from their own level.

Keep it up, Eclectic - you and I are going to run that marathon together one day!

Joy

Bikingmomof3

12-11-2006, 04:11 PM

Way to go Eclectic!!!!

I look forward to my first race, You ladies just keep inspiring me to run an extra mile or two and it is adding up. Thank you and again, congratulations!:D

eclectic

12-12-2006, 08:12 AM

Congrats Eclectic...

Keep it up, Eclectic - you and I are going to run that marathon together one day!

Joy

:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

alpinerabbit

12-13-2006, 01:57 AM

Go Eclectic go!!
we did not get anything as cozy as hot cider, only water and bananas.
My swim coach was 10 minutes faster than I :-P

I've been wondering - it's not really time to do bricks yet, this time of year;

a bike-run brick is logistically simple (please correct me if I'm wrong, I only ever did one in the gym)

What about swim-bike? If I am at the pool, it's really a bit pointless as I have to get out and home with all the stuff before hopping on the bike (I would not leave my valuable bike in front of the public pool if my life depended on it); so probably it only makes sense at all when I can try the lake come summer?

Does anyone do swim-bike bricks at all? for a sprint?

Is anything like bike-swim, run-swim or any other reversal useful, or is it enuff just doing 2 workouts in a day.

HappyAnika

12-13-2006, 11:35 AM

Awesome! Congratulations!!! You must have done great if you want to do it again. I like that: "No runner left behind"! :)

This reminds me that even if its only 35 degrees outside this weekend I need to go running.

Kimmyt

12-14-2006, 07:36 AM

I have a new foe: 'Phonebook IMs'.

As per swim class last night... we did 4 of them. In which the coach randomly picks a phone number from the yellowpages and uses the last 4 digits to determine how many laps of each stroke we do.

:mad:

9 laps of breast-stroke take FOREVER.

And don't even get me started on the fly.... but I do have to say, after doing other strokes for some time, it feels exceedingly restful to go into a nice freestyle. I felt so strong when I finally got to do a few laps of FS, like my body was telling me, "Now this... this I could do all night".

light_sabe_r

12-19-2006, 09:12 PM

Ahhh.... I'm back after Tri 2! YAY Next ones either february or April... Haven't decided yet but I'm ENJOYING it. ^_^ So after Christmas I'll be back in training. Even thinking of entering the ELITIST category next time cause the distances are only SLIGHTLY above what I did this time... 400m swim, 15km ride, 4km run. ^_^ Oh well it's a NEW goal to work to in the new year. Thanks you inspirationals!!!

Guess I'm not really a FIRST anymore... ;_; But Yeah You guys are such GREAT support!!!!

KimmyT that sounds like hell. I hate breastroke at the best of times (gives me nightmares about swim squad when I was 8 or something) Gimme backstroke anyday.

ECLECTIC! Well done woman!!! Keep it up eh!

eclectic

12-20-2006, 09:14 AM

Guess I'm not really a FIRST anymore... ;_; But Yeah You guys are such GREAT support!!!!

KimmyT that sounds like hell. I hate breastroke at the best of times (gives me nightmares about swim squad when I was 8 or something) Gimme backstroke anyday.

GREAT GOING LIGHT_SABE_R ! ! ! ! 2 under your belt already!

give us a report on what it was like :) especially comparing the first one to the second.

Hmmmmmm that does bring up another question - how many tri's until we aren't "new" anymore. Oh well it doesn't really matter because you will transform from "newbie to "mentor" and help us Northern Hemisphere people who will be starting in another 6 months!

I was always posting under the new rider strand and thought - when do I move out of that category? I now feel after this summer, 2 tours, 2045 miles in one year and both a metric and imperial century I can now officially not call myself a "new rider" anymore. I just haven't changed a flat tire in the rain yet :p

light_sabe_r

12-20-2006, 12:37 PM

Comparing the first to the second???

Well... the big difference between the two was I was a lot fitter this time. ^_^ I accomplished my goals of (almost) swimming the whole thing freestyle and running the whole way (i didn't walk a single bit!) I was a lot slower in transition though

PLUS I did the second one on my roadie...

The second tri the OTHER competitors were FAR more aggressive!!! I mean BF saw one lady in my category get SMASHED into the ramp because the woman behind her wanted to overtake her ON THE RAMP to go faster... She had gotten out just before I did!

I got beaten up in the water as well. Just people swimming in a straight line swim STRAIGHT over the top of you!!!

So my advice is PLAY NICE IN YOUR TRIS. I KNOW it's a race, but that's NEVER an excuse to push, shove and BEAT UP your fellow competitors.

Show your fellow athletes the same courtesy you'd show them on the bike. Keep a STRAIGHT line and they can go round if they're that desperate to pass you!

beetle

12-20-2006, 04:02 PM

Hi all, it's taken me 3 days to get though this thread butt what a great and motivating read.

I did one tri about 4 years ago and loved it but have spent the last few years concentrating on my long distance swimming so cycling and running have been off the books for ages. Now that I have a 14month old I find it more tricky to get swimming in so I'm going to work towards my longtime goal of completing an IM.

I'm like a few on here and come to tri with a good swim but poor cycling and running skill/speed. However having found this (and with the help of a local tri club and LBS) I'm sure I can get the necessary advice and help to work on my ride and run.

I won't be able to compete in any tris until May :( as I'm pregnant again but I think I will do a swim race or two over the summer (I'm another Aussie).

Anyway can't wait to share my training experiences with you all and looking forward to reading about how everyone goes.

Light_sabe_r: How did your GREAT bike go :D Have you got a photo? Have you put tri bars on?

Bilateral breathing: Though this was discussed ages ago, I just wanted too say that from experience if you can teach yourself to bilat breath it will improve your swimming over longer diistances. I breathed every 2nd to my right for about 20 years quite happily but 2 yrs ago decided to teach myself to bilat breath (with the help of my coach). I took a whole season, my swimming even regressed a bit in the process but I can now easily breath to either side and it has really helped balance my stroke. So it can be done if you work really hard at it and are committed. Incidentally I always still breath every 2nd to the right in sprints up to 200m.

Offthegrid

12-20-2006, 06:22 PM

So many accomplishments here.

LightS: Way to go! That's amazing. I'm so proud.

Eclectic: Congrats on the 5K! That's an amazing achievement.

As for me -- only five more days until I can start jogging intervals! Whoopie! I'm so excited. I'm curious to see with the fitness I've built how long it'll take to be able to jog a 5K nonstop. I'm thinking maybe 8-12 weeks, but not sure.

tygab

12-20-2006, 06:34 PM

Hi all,

I haven't posted on this thread in ages. Early December was tough. I just did not feel motivated to do much, and I had a few bad workouts mixed in but, at least I did keep going. I took most of one week off, and felt a little guilty about it, but... no more. This week, I have felt focused and ready again.
I did a brick Monday and again today (spin class + treadmill).

Well, on Monday's run I ran for 38 mins, and ran 3.4 miles. Today I ran 39 minutes, got up to 5.7 and held it most of the run. My 5k time was 33:18 (coming up to speed over a few minutes), and my total distance was 3.6 miles.
In september, 39 minutes *was* my 5k. I have shaved almost 6 minutes off my time in approximately 4 months. I don't know if that's good, but if I can continue the trend I will get to my near term goal of running a 5k in less than 30 mins soon! (that's the goal for going into the season, but hey anything better is good too). I felt pretty good on the run too, though my calves are slightly sore now.
My goal is to just go out and run around 45 minutes and try to keep inching up my speed as well.

Come January, I want to be on some kind of a more formal program. And I need to start swimming as well as get more consistent with doing weights.

How will I fit this all in? Right now I go to the gym 3x a week and usually get 1 weekend workout in as well (those haven't been as frequent the last few weeks). I spend usually 2 hrs each time I go (spin class + run, or spin + weights etc). I don't think I can go every day. I do still have a job and house stuff to do.

Also, one more question. I am most often in the 180s (low to mid) during my runs. This is at my upper HR zone if you do the math, and I have read this shouldn't be where I spend most my training time (I do not feel like I am about to keel over ever, but talking would be a challenge). However, if I slow down to a lesser HR pace, I am running really slow. So, should I purposefully run slow? This would seem to contradict my desire to get faster....

Thoughts on the above appreciated.

alpinerabbit

12-21-2006, 01:25 AM

Hi Tygab - 180's , and you can hold that? Perhaps a lactate test would tell you if that is your threshold level and then I guess you will be alright. I can do 170 consistently but above that I wear myself out - as demonstrated at my first Run (with a big R) two weeks ago.
Maybe you should try intervals. Is on my horizon these days - and mix it in with very slow running. Yes, it is possible, I'da never thunk it. A workmate expressed interest in running with me, so off we went the first time yesterday. She is young and slim but hasn't done it lately - so I let her choose the pace. I was leisurely skipping along, at a (perceived) heart rate of maybe 130. When running alone, I never think I could slow down to make it easier. But you can! And boy I never thought I would be faster than anyone. I was (very secretly) happy about that.

I've managed 4 workouts the last couple weekends - an hour or so in the pool in the mornings (did my first 1km last Sat, combining 50 m freestyle and 50 m breaststroke - 50 m is my "sound barrier" currently, have to breathe).
Then running Saturday afternoon and a 2 hour spin class (yay! Superinstructor is back!) on Sunday afternoon.

I also manage about two runs at lunchtime during the week (up to 50 min) and swim class one night a week. Swimming has been really addictive to me and DBF! Although we mostly do form drills right now, we have been going at least one other time in the past weeks. Come Jan I will be signed up for a freestyle class plus the private lesson - DBF prefers it.

How do I do it? No kids, no pets, and a cleaner to do the dirty work once a week. In recent weeks it's been shopping for several meals once or twice a week, laundry and bed. But that's ok for a lifestlye.

Offthegrid

12-21-2006, 04:29 AM

Tygab, 180s does seem high, but also depends on what your LT and/or max HR are. I hit 187 during my most recent (walking) 5K, but I know that when I start to jog I'm not going to be able to keep my HR under 165 because I won't have the fitness yet. Over time you will be able to go faster and longer at the same heart rate.

Intervals are a good idea. You might want to think about incorporating a long, slow run, too.

Velobambina

12-23-2006, 07:17 AM

You ladies are amazing and motivating!

I signed up for a duathlon--next July--so I'm registered for Irongirl Triathlon (Columbia, MD in August) and the Blackwater Traverse. The latter is 12K run-70K bike-8K run. It's supposedly on a completely flat course on Maryland's eastern shore, but I've been warned about the heat & need to keep hydrated. Apparently, there's an extremely popular Tri held on the same course.

Did my second brick this morning and felt much better than my first brick, since I made sure I drank gatorade during my bike ride. Gobbled a couple shot bloks before I headed out for my run. I went 40miles on the bike and 3 miles running -- hilly courses (there's no other option in Arlington, VA).

I haven't been to a pool since Labor Day. I'll get that going after the New Year. (uggh) Can I count on yinz to keep me on track with the swimming?

eclectic

12-23-2006, 08:55 AM

Hello all

What a great goal Velbambina - whew run bike run. I am a swimmer first so that would be agony for me :) So any swim questions send 'em on and there are a lot on here more knowledgeable than me (I am only as good as my resources - my coworker who is a hall of fame swim coach - she helped train her nephew who made it to the olympic trial finals at 18 and will be doing the next ones too, so I trust her expertise :D

I thought I posted this but apparently didn't and if I did I can't find it so bear w/ me as I post again - I did my first sort of brick to check things out. I did spinning class for an hour, put the bike away and then ran a mile on the track. the first lap was tough but then got into a groove and ran on (slowly but I did run) I will concentrate more on them this spring but was curious as to what they were all about and how they felt

With the holidays I haven't had much time to do much.
I did go outside and ride my bike 12 miles - not far but it was 36F and my feet got cold - in Oct I NEVER would have gone out in 36F weather - how perceptions change.
The day before I also ran 3 miles in the park - it was 40F that day - very unseasonable temps for us - I remember years when the high was -25F for a high for 2 weeks running - I like this years weather much better

Re Heart rates
I went to the sports medicine Dr about my knee (old injury apparently, she gave me some exercises to get it back to normal)
I was very concerned about my HR, it too is in the very high zone according to where it should be. She said it is better to go by the perceived rate of exertion chart, figure out where my HR falls within that and then combine them as a guide. She didn't think it was necessary at this time to find out my max HR and do the percents but to just go by knowing my body and how I feel. Also she said (as I have read in books) PRE will change from sport to sport so the HR levels are going to be different for each of them.

MUST get off the computer and get Christmas things done!

Have a great holiday everyone!

alpinerabbit

12-24-2006, 06:26 AM

Re Heart rates
Also she said (as I have read in books) PRE will change from sport to sport so the HR levels are going to be different for each of them.

Oh, absolutely. I definitely am at at least 10-20 bpm higher running than cycling.

I broke two sound barriers - I can now swim more than one 50m length freestyle (4 in fact) and I have done 1 km for the second time in my LIFE. This swimming thang works the BUTT so watch out for my JLo impression in a few months. I lost about a pound or two in the last couple months I believe, I can see more definition in several places.

I am at parents' for 4-5 days and am planning to do something every day, either run or swim. I absorbed Friday's intervals quite well, will try some more.
I prefer running in the cold (and it is, just around freezing), I wonder how I will fare come spring and summer....

Happy Yule all, don't slack! (Note to self, restrain on the alcohol tonight)

Offthegrid

12-24-2006, 06:28 PM

I've been sick with a nasty cold all week, but I *might* go to the gym tomorrow morning to jog for just a little bit. It seems a tiny bit cruel that I've waited soooo long until I can start jogging, and then the day finally comes and I can't jog because I've been sick.

But being sick also means I'm going to spend most of Christmas alone because I can't risk getting my grandmother sick. I'll see my immediate family in the morning, but then have to bid them goodbye while they see grandma and about 30 family members.

Alpine, way to go with the swimming! I think you'll start to see some very rapid improvement now. I know it took forever until I could just do 4 or 8 laps, but then things got a lot better.

light_sabe_r

12-28-2006, 05:23 PM

I have the details of my next race!!! But I'm still refusing to do any training until January first. My Body needed a freaking break.

http://www.splashanddash4cash.com

heeheehee. It's called an "AQUATHON" O_O and it's really training on my weaknessess.

I'll be doing the short course event on the 26th of January. (Australia day. It's a public holiday!)

100m swim, 1.5km run, 100m swim, 1.5km run,

long course is 600m swim, 3km run (repeated). Whilst I'd have no problem running I'd be struggling with the swim at this point so it's better to do the short one (even If I know I can do that and do it reasonably well)

Therefore since the course is so short... I'm aiming to place in the middle somewhere rather than "Not coming last"

i'm looking forward to it. It means I can test out the new fuel belt I got for Christmas.

KSH

12-28-2006, 07:10 PM

I It's called an "AQUATHON" O_O and it's really training on my weaknessess.

I'll be doing the short course event on the 26th of January. (Australia day. It's a public holiday!)

100m swim, 1.5km run, 100m swim, 1.5km run,

Therefore since the course is so short... I'm aiming to place in the middle somewhere rather than "Not coming last"

i'm looking forward to it. It means I can test out the new fuel belt I got for Christmas.

Sounds great! Looks like fun! You should do a great job!

Offthegrid

12-29-2006, 06:08 AM

The tri I'm planning to do with a friend in Oregon has changed its 2007 date up a weekend to the Saturday after I'm volunteering at Ironman Lake Placid. This is gonna make travel interesting. I'm trying to work it out.

BUT it leaves August gloriously free of a race. Maybe I'll join the Irongirl in MD pack ... or *gulp* consider an olympic-distance race. But it's hard to know where my running will be in 8 months.

alpinerabbit

01-01-2007, 05:32 AM

I'm signed up!!! :o 0.5/20/5 short distance on June 23, the day before IM Zurich.
They offer bike trainings and wet suit demos with pro athletes on the weekdays before... would be interesting.

Today we hit the pool but I was not motivated. We stayed an hour but I never did anything more than a lap at a time. Too many crazy people too. Perhaps tomorrow.

light_sabe_r

01-01-2007, 11:07 AM

Way to go alpinerabbit!!!! Just watch the motivation kick into gear now that you've signed up!

tygab

01-01-2007, 11:28 AM

Alpinerabbit, that's great! I am so excited for you.

I have almost worked out my 2007 race/event schedule, and I will start signing up for them tomorrow (everything is still closed 'til then). My first official race of the season will be April 22, and it is a duathlon. I may snag a 5k in Austin if I can (when we visit in Feb) but it won't be something I prepare for if so, just a 'fun run.'

Anyway, so here's my planned schedule:

April 22, duathlon
April 29, 5k (mostly just for fun)
May 27, duathlon
June 23, 1st sprint tri
Jul 7, 2nd sprint tri
[Jul 22, volunteer at IMLP]
Aug 4 & 5, PMC
Aug 29, 3rd sprint tri
Sept 27, 1-2 legs of TE Greenway Challenge team

I hope to do a fall century too, and considering a kayak/run/ride tri in Sept also. The goal is to have one event a month but Aug and Sept will have two or three. It's aggressive, but most of the events are short duration so I am not anticipating long recoveries. We'll see, always subject to change.

-T

Kimmyt

01-05-2007, 07:27 AM

OK, so due to holidays and general craziness surrounding them I haven't trained in about 1.5 weeks.

It feels so much longer, though! (no doubt my 'normal' friends would think that a true sign of insanity)

Anyway, it wasn't like I just didn't do anything over the hols, I just didn't do tri-specific training. I went on a weeklong ski trip at a much higher elevation which barely left me with energy to eat much less run (I was also trying to get over a bad bout of strep throat... gd immune system always fails me when i need it the most!) I only missed one or two swim classes, and didn't run for the 1.5 weeks. I won't go into riding, but basically I'm not focusing on it in my training unless it's for a brick, since riding is definitely my strong suit.

OK so yesterday I went to the gym to run for the first time since before vacation. Oy vey, was it rough!

It felt like it had been years since I'd last been running... and it was such a short period of time? Anyone dealing with post-holiday recovery?

On an up note, I ran for a solid 30 minutes albeit at a lower pace (12 min mile as opposed to 10 which I usually try to train on the dreadmill at), but noticed that I was getting some tendon pain on the top of my right foot the last 5 minutes of running. I ran through it, trying to focus on technique but the pain didn't diminish with these added efforts. Didn't get worse either, though, so hopefully it was just a one-time thing... maybe my tootsies are sore from being in ski boots all week.

Oh, and used my new Polar HRM for the first time too. Seems I'm hovering around 80% of my resting rate during the entire 30 minute run, which is interesting... from the second I start running it elevates, even when I feel I am not being exerted at all. Also, even when I got tired and was struggling, the hr didn't go up. Granted, I kept a steady pace and wasn't pushing myself so I guess this is good? Though on a positive I noted that the dreadmill is polar compatible, which means I don't have to wear my wrist monitor when I run on it YAY.

OK update done, just wanted to kick this thread into life again!

K.

Bluetree

01-05-2007, 09:49 AM

Okay, got my 2007 schedule ready as well, all sprint tris.
Barring injury or illness, here goes...

March 10 – Pasadena Triathlon
(Reverse Sprint Tri, pool swim)

March 25 – Strawberry Fields Triathlon or Duathlon
(Swim .25 miles-Ocean... Bike 11.5 miles... Run 3 miles)

April 22 – La Quinta Desert Triathlon
(Swim 500m-Lake... Bike 14 miles... Run 5k)

June 10 – Redondo Beach Triathlon
(Swim .5 miles-Ocean... Bike 6 miles... Run 2 miles)

July-August (Take a break, maybe do a bike race)

September 9 - Los Angeles Triathlon
(Swim .4 miles-Ocean... Bike 20 miles... Run 5k)

September 23 - Long Beach Triathlon
(Swim .5 miles-Harbor... Bike 11 miles... Run 5k)

October 14 – San Diego Triathlon
(Swim 750m-Ocean... Bike 12.4 miles... Run 4 miles)

uforgot

01-06-2007, 04:19 PM

Kimmyt

01-06-2007, 05:10 PM

I am like you, decent at swimming and cycling but not great at the running. I used to tell my mom 'the only reason I run for anything is because the bartender yells last call'.

I would recommend setting a time goal of 1/2 hour of running. But don't aim to run solidly for the full 1/2 hour. Run for 5-10 minutes, then walk for 2 minutes, then continue until your 30 minutes is over.

Keep on working on this type of schedule until you're walking less and running more, and maybe this will help you get closer to your goal. FYI I started running only two months ago and couldn't barely do a mile. It was probably closer to 3/4 or less. I would run until I absolutely couldn't any more, then walk for awhile, then start running again. Now I can run almost 3 miles although not at the speed I'd like to be at.

You can do this! (also there are some 'couch potato to 5K in 3 months' plans on runnersworld.com that might help you out!)

kiwi

01-07-2007, 02:09 AM

I'm the same - finding running the toughest so far. Well, I haven't started swimming in open water, so that thought might change!

I've signed up to do the London triathlon in August - Olympic distance. I signed up a couple of months ago, thinking if I'm going to do a triathlon I may as well aim high. I have so much work to do on all 3 disciplines, I may regret not going for the Sprint distance instead!

KSH

01-07-2007, 07:29 AM

The Missouri show me games have a triathlon this summer, and I want to participate!!!! I need some input, though. The running is the killer. It's .5 miles swimming ( I am a fish, used to be a lifeguard in my younger years), the biking is fine, 19 miles, but the running....sigh. I have NEVER been able to run for any distance. I can dance on my toes, teach hip hop like no body's business, but I never ever could run or had any desire to. I currently run 4 days a week, m-t-th-f. I am up to 1/2 a mile. This triathlon is 3.1 miles and is in June. Can I do it? Any tips? Inspiration? I just want to compete with a decent time. There is a 50-54 category. (I'm 52) Whaddya think? I'll take anything anyone can give me, as I absolutely want to do this! Even any books you can recommend would help!!!!

You can participate, even if you can't run the entire way. Although, you do have many months to prepare and train for it.

I signed up for a tri in Sept. 06, thinking I would be able to run a 5K by then. Due to injury and set backs, I didn't even run an entire mile, before the tri.

And you know what, it didn't matter. I did a walk/run combo during the race, and I found a buddy to walk/run with. It was a great race, and my most memorable one.

Train, and do what you can. And come tri time, if you have to do a walk/run combo, then do it. The key is having fun and enjoying just participating and being apart of something.

Finally... you will NOT be the only one walking! So...sign up and do it!

KSH

01-07-2007, 07:31 AM

Okay, got my 2007 schedule ready as well, all sprint tris.

Well, YOU motivated me to plan out my 2007 race schedule... so here it goes:

TENATIVE 2007 RACE SCHEDULE

April 21, 2007
PlayTri Sprint, www.playtri.com
500/10/5K
*Might need a wetsuit*

May 28, 2007
CapTex Olympic, www.captextri.com
1.5K/40K/10K

June 10, 2007
Ironhead Metroplex Sprint, www.ironheadrp.com
800M/27K/5K

July 22, 2007
IronGirl Sprint, www.irongirl.com
? distances ?

August 26, 2007 ? on date
Hotter-N-Hell
*Not sure if I'll go or not.*

September 16, 2007
TexasMan Olympic, www.dallasathletes.com
? distances ?

October 2007
Ironstar Half Ironman

Wahine

01-07-2007, 10:43 AM

alpinerabbit

01-08-2007, 12:52 AM

DBF (the dear) has promised me a "tri day" in spring - he will wait with my bike stuff in front of the public pool for me to hop on, and pick me up again with the running stuff waiting... (note that not having a car makes things difficult - but I'd rather not have a car) ...isn't that sweet?

I selfishly requested my "complete athlete support packet" to include a massage :-P

KSH

01-08-2007, 06:14 AM

I see you have announced an HIM on your schedule. We'll be cheering you on!!

I'm not ready to post my race schedule yet. I know includes IM Can and the Pacific Crest HIM. Beyond that :confused:

Happy training.

Well, I should have put *tenative* on that one! I am scheduling it... with the thought that I will sign up for IMAZ 08. If I don't sign up for IMAZ 08... ???? not sure I will make the HIM.

I too wasn't sure I wanted to put anything on paper... but I decided it was time with the start of the new year.

Who knows, other events might get added, depending on what my boyfriend signs up for. Although, he prefers pool swim tri's... and I pretty much refuse to do a pool swim.

Well, your schedule with an IM and HIM... sounds plenty packed to me!

Bluetree

01-09-2007, 10:36 AM

Wow, K, that's pretty impressive... an HIM! woo hoo.

Is it normal to go from OD to sprint and back up again, or is is just more convenient in your schedule?
I have one late season OD in my area, that may be doable because it's a lake swim, but it's still early enough to wait and see.

Bluetree

01-09-2007, 10:51 AM

Wahine

01-09-2007, 10:04 PM

You know, it never bugged me to be small-chested all my life. Size 34-A. I could ride horses without a problem. I always looked decent in my clothes.
But after six weeks of winter training at 10+hrs a week of cardio, I find myself in disbelief... my bra size is shrinking even more! WTF?! This morning, I have officially gotten "airspace" in my bra. I think I may soon end up looking like the alien from X-files... big head, tiny body.

Last weekend I went to a sports store to get some dri-fit tops. The women's sizes didn't fit, but I discovered I am in between a child's size L and XL, the kind that is cut with no space for a chest. I couldn't bring myself to buy it... even I have a smidgen of pride left. :(

Bluetree, while it may seem difficult now, you may grow to like your rather small breasts. The nerve endings in the surface of the skin become more concentrated making certain activities involving SOs much more fun. :rolleyes: Maybe that was a little too personal.

Another reason to like your new size, kids clothes are cheaper.:)

If you really want to get bigger, you need to get fatter, pregnant, or spend a few bucks on enhancement.

Although my friends husband suggested his wife rub toilet paper on her breasts everyday to make them larger. When she asked why, he said "well, it's made your butt bigger.":D :D

Bluetree

01-10-2007, 02:35 AM

If you really want to get bigger, you need to get fatter, pregnant, or spend a few bucks on enhancement.

Only if it would make me more buoyant (sp?) during the swim. But wait... wouldn't that mean I have to implant them on my back?
Never mind...

:p

lph

01-10-2007, 02:55 AM

You know, it never bugged me to be small-chested all my life. Size 34-A. I could ride horses without a problem. I always looked decent in my clothes.
But after six weeks of winter training at 10+hrs a week of cardio, I find myself in disbelief... my bra size is shrinking even more! WTF?! This morning, I have officially gotten "airspace" in my bra. I think I may soon end up looking like the alien from X-files... big head, tiny body.

I wish I could equate it to high school grades.
You know... how do you better than an A?

It's called a double-A cup. I've never found it anywhere. (I'm not a triathlete, but I'm butting in anyway :)

I'm naturally flatchested, 75 cm A cup, just like my mother and maternal grandmother, and it's never bothered me. Perfect for aerobic exercise ;)
But now I've biked enough this winter that I've started to lose an extra kg or two from the standard weight I've had for years - and you bet - boobs go first.
My favourite lightly padded bra is beginning to get large dimples. My slightly-too-big ones just look stupid. I'm going to have to go to a proper underwear store and get someone to fit me with something proper and expensive, as the only ones that will fit me in chain stores either have cartoon figures on them or are padded beyond belief (because "no-one WANTS breasts that small, right??") :mad:

alpinerabbit

01-14-2007, 08:58 AM

....re: the swim - I timed myself today on 500 m: I was around 10 min, maybe 11. Timed on the big wall clock. I mixed in some breast stroke. Whaddaya think?

HillSlugger

01-14-2007, 09:09 AM

....re: the swim - I timed myself today on 500 m: I was around 10 min, maybe 11. Timed on the big wall clock. I mixed in some breast stroke. Whaddaya think?

I'll be thrilled if I can average 2 minutes per 100m!

Kimmyt

01-14-2007, 11:13 AM

So I ran yesterday. Contemplated doing a brick, but the threat of rain and already wet roads steered me away from the idea. On my drive out to the running trail I passed a cyclist and felt pretty guilt. Oh well.

Anyway, the run didn't go so well, all in all I did 4 miles, but only ran about 3.5 of them, and averaged much slower than I had hoped. Total time of run/walk was 48 minutes, which averages to about 12 min/mile, and I forgot to keep an eye on how long it took me to walk the 1/2 mile. Who knows, maybe I did average better than I think.

But anyway, I felt much better once I ran and felt a bit more myself. I have not been doing well on the trianing due to poor health (I was recovering from strep throat and it seems to be threatening to return after I finished my antibiotic therapy) and really crappy work schedule.

Anyway, now I'm seriously considering signing up for a 1 hour swim thing that we are doing in our Masters class at the end of the month. I am really interesting in seeing how much I can do in that time... now I just need to find someone who is willing to sit on the side of the pool for an hour and count my laps!!

K.

Offthegrid

01-15-2007, 07:58 AM

I have NEVER been able to run for any distance.

I'm kinda late in the game on this one, but wanted to post the 12-week couch to 5K training program that I think *rocks*. It is very gradual, and I like this program versus others because I don't think it tries to get you to do too much, too soon and is very adaptable to you and your speed. You *will* be able to run 3.1 miles in 12 weeks if you follow this.

5K training program (http://www.firststrides.com/startmyself.html)

My jogging intervals are going very well. I am loving the jogging big time and will start on 3-minute intervals Wednesday. I wish I could do the jogging every day.

Bluetree

01-15-2007, 08:16 AM

now I just need to find someone who is willing to sit on the side of the pool for an hour and count my laps!!

K.

KimmyT - I heartily recommend the SportCount finger counter. I found one on eBay for about $20 and I use it all the time. Both when swimmig and timing my splits on a run.

www.Sportcount.com

Kimmyt

01-15-2007, 08:54 AM

This 1 hour swim is being put on by the USMS and they compile the rankings nationally so we have to have an actual person to record splits and everything for the entire time.

Hmm... maybe if I offer up my newfound bike-cleaning skillZ i will be able to get someone to do it? :)

eclectic

02-07-2007, 12:53 PM

Hey there everyone ! ! ! how are things going? ? ?
Time for updates

My training this fall started out GREAT! ! !

THEN i did something really stupid but necessary. I went back to an former second job when they called me. I really need the money right now and figured 16 hours a week would be OK. Well what has happened is it has cut into all my workout time. I have been trying to get motivated to doing short sessions but it just isn't happening.

so what is happening:

Wednesday I have been diligent about going to the pool for 45 min and getting at least 15-1700 yds of a mixed workout in. Then I have been going upstairs and running on the track for at least 2 miles

Sundays I have been really good about getting to spinning class then going up stairs and running 3 miles and walking 1 or 2

So basically I have crammed 4 workouts into 2 sessions - not the greatest and not the best but all I have been able to manage at this time

One thing I have learned - it is WAAYY easier to run after cycling then after swimming

My running isn't to the distance I wanted it to be (probably because I am not just running - at least I hope that is it) but my speed is gradually increasing

I can easily w/o stressing myself at all do 500 yds swimming in 10 minutes and I am fine w/ that

I am finally down to a 10 min mile for 3 miles but it isn't very easy but getting better

I am down 17 lbs since September (would still like to get 12 more off)

they are having the blizzard biathlon here the end of Feb. I will not be running it (5 mi outside - it is 20 below here today, I don't think so) But I am going to relay it w/ a friend, he'll run and I'll swim.

Anyway all my working out has helped immensly - I am going skiing next week so have been doing wall sits. 1.5 min are a piece of cake now and last year I could barely do 30-45 sec

Also I figured out what was causing my asthma - more on that later!

life is good :)

kan

02-07-2007, 05:28 PM

Last year I participated in a sprint tri on a relay, just to get my feet wet and see what it's all about. I definitely wanted more - After 9 minutes in the water, I was done and that was too short!

So this year I'm training for at least one, probably two sprint distance tris. Maybe more... we'll see!

I'm a decent swimmer and a decent runner (although I'm realizing I need to develop my aerobic base after doing heart rate training, and going back to "walk before I run"). The only thing I've never really done (other than recreationally) was bike. I think the $$ you have to plunk down kept me away. But I'm going to do it - I'm looking at my road bike options and I'm committed.

So I'll be around here and there. I'm also lurking at BT and learning a lot from them. I'm trying to do a 2x training program, where I fit in at least 2 of each discipline a week, plus two strength training sessions. I also hope to add in one more run when spring comes (and my volleyball season is done). Nice to meet you all!

Kimmyt

02-08-2007, 06:02 AM

Welcome to the forums, kan! Keep us updated on your training.

Update:

After a brief hiatus due to illness (dang stomach virus) I'm back on the wagon. Still running 3x a week, but now I'm consistently up to 3 miles a run on weekdays with no walking (maybe .25 mile wu and .25 cd not included in the running total), although I'm still working on pace. I'm pretty comfortable at around a 6mph pace for around 2 miles, but can't keep it up for that long, so I'll usually slow down to a lower pace for the last mile. This is all on the treadmill, when I'm outside I have no idea how fast I run... somewhere in between 5 and 6 (running this weekend with The Boy and his new cadence thinger so maybe we can figure out our speed on the trail). Trying for ~4 miles on my 'long' run during the weekend, but if anything this is the run that gets dropped due to busy schedule, etc. I've been pretty good keeping it up though! Hopefully bringing the camera with me this Saturday to take pretty pictures of the trail.

Cycling has been pretty nonexistent for me, especially since I loathe the spin bikes at my gym and don't have a trainer. Once it gets warmer out I'll focus more on that, but for right now I'm paying more attention to the more challenging aspects of the tri.

Swim class (Master's group 2xweek) is going well, too. I've been making strides in technique and am starting to really hone in on what makes me go faster. Got a videotape of my swimming that I intend to watch this weekend and see just what I'm doing wrong. Should be interesting.

My favorite part about all this training? I feel phenomenal, particularly after a good run on the trail on a weekend morning, and I become super-driven to do stuff the rest of the day. It's like I'm on a natural high, and I will get 3x the stuff done that I would normally do! It's insane, really, what a little adrenaline will do to your housework!

K.

Wahine

02-08-2007, 07:28 AM

My favorite part about all this training? I feel phenomenal, particularly after a good run on the trail on a weekend morning, and I become super-driven to do stuff the rest of the day. It's like I'm on a natural high, and I will get 3x the stuff done that I would normally do! It's insane, really, what a little adrenaline will do to your housework!

K.

Welcome to the realm of the adrenaline junky. At first you tell yourself you've got your habit under control but eventually it consumes you. You start missing engagements to feed your addiction, first it's coffee with a friend, "sorry I won't make it, I've got to train." Then it's baby showers and eventually you don't even show up for weddings. You become grumpy and distracted when you don't get your fix and soon your friends become worried. You stop paying your morgage so you can save up for that special gear - a carbonfibre tri bike or a GPS/HRM. You've started the downward spiral towards the life of an addicted triathlete.:p :p :p

That was meant to be funny, but as I read it over, really it describes me. Maybe I should plan my own intervention. Naaaaaahhhhhhh!!:D :D

Off for a run. I might not make it to work in time. Oh well, who needs a job. It just takes away from my training time anyway.:eek:

Kimmyt

02-08-2007, 08:25 AM

Ruh Roh...

that describes me and climbing to a T! I don't know if I can fit in another addiction! I'm going to have to develop multiple personalities to deal with all these multiple hobbies!

A conversation I had a few years ago with my brother:

Me: So, I won't be home for Thanksgiving
Bro: Why? Where will you be?
Me: West Virginia
Bro: West... Virginia? What the hell is in West Virginia?
Me: Well there's this really great climbing area..
Bro: And you're going to miss Thanksgiving dinner with your family to go to this climbing place?
Me: Uhm, yeah...
Bro: In NOVEMBER? It's gonna be cold..
Me: I have a 0deg sleeping bag...
Bro: Who are you going with?
Me: Some climbing people I met from the internet
Bro: So you're going to miss holidays with the family to go climbing in a cold place in WV with a bunch of people you don't know?
Me: Well I know a few of them. One's bringing a deep-fryer for a turkey..
Bro: You are ridiculous.

:)