Danskin Seattle Tri Training Group

[salsabike]

I will say here what I also said in the bike fit party thread--my schedule just totally changed and I will be away on this date. I am so sorry! I really wanted to come to this. I have a gazillion questions and am also really looking forward to have some training buddies. Will one of you be willing to let me know what vast knowledge was shared and what's next? I will still want to be a part of this. Thanks.

[KnottedYet]

Sure shootin', babe!

[salsabike]

Sure shootin', babe!

You're the best, girl. Thanks.

PS So I have found two great books to recommend:

The Woman Triathlete--chapter by chapter written by different women about the basics--how to train, how to gear up, how to avoid injury, etc.

The Slow Fat Triathlete---just what it sounds like. Written by a woman who did her first tri--but far from her last--at 220 lbs. She's a hoot and her attitude is great. It's full of good info for beginners of whatever weight. And it's funny.

[salsabike]

So can I get an opinion from the experienced tri folks here? Should I switch from mixed age to my age group? I hear age group is much smaller and more manageable, and that mixed age is huge, wild, and wooly. What do y'all think?

[teigyr]

I'm not experienced, at least I don't feel that way. But I hear that age group is smaller AND the older people get to go first! I knew there was an advantage to this age thing...or at least I thought there should be.

I registered age group with the intention of waiting to see what everyone else did. I figure we probably wouldn't stay together during the race (all of us, that is) just due to the size of it all. That and the swim...I'm the queen of getting passed by later waves. Anyway, I thought we could all meet up before and/or after. Maybe a celebration brunch?

[KnottedYet]

I'm registered age group. Mixed age tends to be the folks who are doing it together. (eg: sisters doing the tri together) They might be paying more attention to keeping track of each other than to watching out for the rest of the field. But they might be more fun, since age-groupers are just racing alone.

the best way to catch each other might really be to meet before and after. Last time I used the Team Survivor tent as my meeting place for the friend I was doing the race with and my family, but I was very involved in Team Survivor that year. Anybody got a handle on what tents will be there and any they want to meet at in particular? (otherwise, *behind* the Team Survivor tent might be a good spot)

Edit: how 'bout the porta-potties? Everybody goes there eventually....

[salsabike]

Absolutely! The nurse who was at my endoscopy today (no serious problems) is doing her fourth Danskin. I was telling her about the TE gang, mixed ages and all, and she said we should try to rack our bikes near each other--best way to find each other afterwards.

I think that all makes sense. Can't really plan on staying together in a race, so best bet is to find some practical way of getting together when we're all done.

I have SO many questions that I wanted to ask at this first meeting...

I marched out to the local swimsuit shop this week and got a good tank suit for Fla. and lap swimming. I can't WAIT to do the wetsuit shopping part when I get back from Fla. I just focused totally on how it fit and not how it looked. And "Slow Fat Triathelete" is well worth the purchase--she's a hoot, and addresses every conceivable misgiving any of us could possibly dredge up.

I'm going to send in the request to switch from mixed group to age group. I even have two teacher buddies in my age group, I know.

[teigyr]

DH (aka Sean) is the king of finding people in the middle of the race and at the finish. I know he'll be there so perhaps he can wait somewhere...or at least relay messages.

I loved Slow Fat Triathlete!

Salsa, where are you going to lap swim? I just switched from 24 Hour Fitness to LA Fitness (oh so much better) and have passes to the latter if you're interested. I need to get in the OW when it's time because I still get out of breath in the pool and OW will be more realistic. I think I need to just relax...it's not that I get tired but it's an oxygen thing.

[Sprocket's Mom]

I completely and wholeheartedly agree on the review of the Slow Fat Trathlete book. I bought it before I did my first tri and it truly inspired me to just go for it. It also gave me lots of good pointers for things such as the transitions. I just recently re-read the book just for motivation. And now I've loaned it out to a friend. It's sooooooo.....REAL.

[salsabike]

I have a request--for those in the running know, I would like a recommendation for a really good local running shoe store. By good, I specifically mean, does a very careful and expert fitting job. Thanks.

[KnottedYet]

Super Jock and Jill in Greenlake. By far the best I've dealt with. Any problems, go back and they will make it right.

[NbyNW]

Definitely Super Jock and Jill. My PT sent me there, and sometimes they do complimentary consults there as well. I've been happy with my purchases there. They've even said you need to try them out for a few days, walk/run outside to test them out, and you can STILL bring them back if you're not happy. I probably tried out six pairs of shoes the last time I was there to make sure I had the right amount of fit & support, and never felt rushed or pressured.