Returning to road cycling after 19 years...Yikes!

[Fredwina]

primarily comfort . I can a do century with Mountain bike shoes /pedals and have no problems

[Triskeliongirl]

Be careful, cuz comfort walking and effeciency on the bike are not the same thing. To get good power transfer you want a stiff sole, but often the comfy bike shoes are comfy cuz the stole is not very stiff. For example, I used to ride with Nike shoes and while they were more comfy they aren't as effecient as the sidi dominators I now ride in. With that said though, you can walk more easily in a mountain shoe than road shoe cuz of the recessed cleat, and if you go with a stiff mountain shoe you'll still get good power transfer. While I am a 'roadie' I ride in sidi dominators, a high end mountain shoe, and speedplay frog pedals, again a 'mountain' pedal which I like for the easy in/out, light weight, and float. TE even has dominators on sale, although I haven't checked the size availablity. I like a walkable shoe (recessed cleat) since I also tour and commute. In fact, I did hike around in Mexico in my sidis just fine, and find them very comfortable despite the stiff sole. Like anything, fit is also really important for comfort, and tthe dominator has a buckle at the top that helps you lock in the fit with. I don't recommend the dual sided pedals. I also had them on my bike friday, but they are heavy and the spd cleats bothered my knees. Also, you also have to worry about finding the right side.

[spindizzy]

Hey Orions.Star

Are you still planning to do duathlon in February?

I did my first two last year, my first one was similar to yours in distance, but not in elevation! My times were brutal, but I finished. I was doing weights twice a week, (one day upper, one day lower), two rides a week - one usually sprint intervals and a long ride on the weekend and two days of running, one more intense with intervals, the other just a tempo run.

I worked way too hard on the bike during the race and sucked the energy out of my legs, so for the final run, I was toast.

Upped the intensity over the summer and impoved my run times, bike time was ok, but I didn't kill myself on the bike so that I could run that last 5.

You have the benefit of those hills and elevation! Can't wait to hear your race story!

[Orions.Star]

I am going to do the duathlon in February. I was having good weather for training....this snowstorm suddenly appeared, in the middle of the desert. It was a good thing! I finally broke down and went to the gym for some indoor training and had my first experience in spinning. It is pretty neat. I would rather be on my bike outdoors, but if I can't do that I have alternative options! It feels the same as cycling.

Fortunately, an I do know what you're talking about having the life sucked out of your legs, ouch, this duathlon has the run first then the bike! Pretty cool.
All of the triathlons I've competed in always had run/bike/swim in that order.

So I am not out to set any records, just to finish will be accomplishment enough for me.

I am certain I will have a wonderfully pleasant race story to tell. If I can make it back up the hill!