zia_cyclist's Group - FULL

Jim and Scott,

Welcome.  This should be fun.  Add me and the other group members to your friends list.  I'll do the same in my blog.  And, of course, log all of your workout data.  The point of this group is to inspire and motivate one another, learn from one another and kick some group member butt when we have those 'I don't wanna work out' days (we all have them ). 

Jim,
I see we have some of the same races planned.  We'll have to plan to meet up at those races.  I'm going to PM you about where you work.  We may be co-workers or we may be competitors.

Scott,
I ride a Felt.  Honestly, I think most of the tri bike manufacturers out there are of good quality.  Find a bike that feels comfortable and fits your body.  As you have probably read on BT - bike fit is everything.  Also, look for good quality components on the bike - Ultegra and Dura Ace are the top line Shimano drive train components.  The main reason I bought my Felt was because of the components spec'd out on the bike.

TJ

Hi Amanda,

Judging from your user name I would guess you go by Mandy?  Add me and your fellow group members to your friends list in your blog.  And log your workouts.  We will check in on each other.

Funny you should mention non-athlete.  My wife was the same.  She liked aerobics classes and yoga, but never dreamed of running or racing.  But, just this year she decided to try running.  I guess seeing me training and racing inspired her.  She has completed an 8 mile race and a half marathon.  And loves running.  We run together often.

Swimming is tough for a lot of people.  Keep at it.  I think the key to swimming is consistent trianing.  Swimming is so much about technique and gaining a feel for the water.  If you can, join a Master's group or take swim lessons.  That will really help.

TJ

William,

Welcome.  As I've said to the other group members, add us to your friends list in your blog.  Speaking of blog, I don't see yours.  Are you going to make it public?  We can inspire you and give you tips and comments on your training, but we need to see your blog.

TJ

Jamie, welcome.  You are nmber 5 so I guess we are full.  You have some of the same races listed as Jim and I.  Should be a fun year hooking up at the races. 

When I first started triathlon in 2004, I tried building my on training plans using the TTTB.  But, it didn't work out too well for me.  Not enought experience with structured training.  I ended up using a training plan out of a book.  Last year and this year I used a plan from BT.

Add us to your friends and log your workouts.  We'll see you on the boards!

TJ 

wmthacher - 2006-12-28 1:51 PM Hi: I got a Polar 725x for X-mas very excited. If anyone has experience with this model or similar models and would like to share tips, please do so. I have never worked out with a Heart Rate Monitor before, any advise? Thanks, Will

Will,

Check out this link: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=25734&posts=1&start=1 . Coach Ricci wrote this about HR training.  He also has some info on the D3 website.

I always use a HRM for serious training.  Follow the LT tests in the link above to determine your HR training zones.  Depending on your fitness level, you may want to train for a month or so before doing these tests.  I'm in the off season right now.  I'll test my LT again at the end of January after training through January. 

Once you have your HR zones determined, then most of your training for endurance sports will be done in zones 1 or 2.  You should occasionally have training sessions that take your HR up to zone 4 (just below your LT heart rate).  Some of the training plans on BT will tell you which zone to train in for that particular workout.

Oh...BTW, I also occassionally run and bike 'nekkid' (without a HRM, bike computer, MP3 player, etc).

TJ

Hello Group.  OK, I've been defined as a mentor.  Oh man, now the pressure is on.

Our group is:
Jim (jkron)
Mandy (mandy7741)
Will (wmthacher)
Scott (scottymack)
Jamie (jpb0009)

The way I think this should work is that we use this thread to discuss various topics related to triathlon, s/b/r, racing, etc.  The thread will become long, but I think having one thread will keep things more organized.  You agree?  Since this is our first go at the mentor program, feel free to make suggestions on how to proceed.

Each week or so I'll post a topic for discussion.  You guys also feel free to post questions and topics for disussion.  We'll all learn from one another. 

Here is a website you may find interesting (especially if you are a science geek like me).  It disusses basic exercise physiology; good definitions of all those acronyms you read about - LT, VO2 Max, etc.  Exercise Physiology

TJ

Scott,

I have used Ensure before.  I like it.  250 calories in only 8 oz.  Because it's a small volume it doesn't bloat me.  I've only used it in my pre-race breakfast though.  Haven't used it immediately before a workout.  But, try it.  It seems like a good idea to me and if it works for you then great.

I eat my meals similar to Mandy - breakfast, mid morning snack, lunch, mid afternoon snack, dinner.  If I'm working out after work, then I time the mid afternoon snack for about 5 pm.  Then workout at 6.  Snacks include fruit, yogurt, trail mix, nuts, oj, etc.  I pack a lunch bag full of this stuff and take it to work.  Here's another option, sometimes I'll have a Gu and water before working out. 

Mandy,

It's a good thing that you eat your meals the way you do.  There is some research that supports grazing (eating all day) as a means of weight control.  The theory goes that if your blood sugar level stays stable then your body will not store as much of the excess calories as fat.  Grazing keeps your blood sugar stable.  Eating 3 big meals a day causes peaks and valleys in your blood sugar and during the peaks your body takes the sugar (calories) out of your blood and stores those calories as fat.

Of course, you still have to control the total number of calories eaten.  It's better to spread those calories through out the day.