first triathlonites 2006-07

[tygab]

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]

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]

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

[tygab]

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]

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]

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]

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.

[eclectic]

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!