first triathlonites 2006-07

[KSH]

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]

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]

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

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

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]

Thanks for the warm welcome

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]

Thanks for the warm welcome

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.

[KSH]

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]

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]

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]

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 !