QUEEN ZIP & KathyG - CLOSED (Page 10)

Good try and you'll get all the kinks worked out in a couple times. I'm impressed that even though it was 42 and suggested you were under dressed you added a layer and off you went. 

Awesome..making a plan is huge as it makes each day so much easier just do what is on the plan.

Logging nutrition takes awhile at first but gets faster and faster.

Nice way to start off 2009!

Welcome Debb,

Glad to see goals out there and that you'e working on a plan. 

Hi everyone! I'm looking forward to a sunny weekend here- swimming (inside this time!) and strength today and a long run tomorrow. My plan is to go for 8 miles- my longest run in about 10 months-I am excited to do it!

Welcome Debb! I think a bunch of us are considering a Danskin race this year- it will be fun to compare notes and courses.

Have a great day everyone!

Debb/Kathleen... I'm considering the Danskin race in New England this year.  I really enjoy the women's only 10k I've done for the past few years, so I'd really like to do an all women's tri.  It's between Danskin or Title 9... or both, of course   I can't wait until schedules are set and registrations are open so I can sign up and make my races official!  Folks who've done Danskin - how did you like it?

Psyched you'll get new shoes finally, Kendra!

Speaking of shoes-- I'm an idiot when it comes to the bike.  I don't know anything about cycling form or gear... I'm just on my commuter bike (big wheels, knobby treads, upright positioning) on the trainer.  I won't be getting a new bike too soon, but want to at least invest in shoes but don't know the first thing about cleats or bike shoes or where to begin!  Any help on figuring out the basics would be highly appreciated!

I did the Danskin sprint here in Southern California in 2007 and it was nice supportive, well-run race.  Since that is what they aim to be, I would imagine that the ones in other places would offer a similar experience.  In 2007 the race was held at Bonelli Park (lake swim) where there are about six or seven tris during the year.  In 2008 Danskin moved their  race to California Adventure, a theme park, and the distances were really short, even for sprint distance standards.  I mean, so short it isn't worth getting your hair wet.  I didn't do it because I was out of town, but not sure I would have done it anyway.  So, I guess there is no real consistency about the Danskin race in terms of length or location.  I don't know where 2009 will be or how long or whatever.

As for bicycling stuff, I just get whatever my bike guy tells me to get - in terms of clip-in shoes and whatever.  I am hoping he will let me get aerobars this year.  He is a little bit of a Nazi and won't sell you something he doesn't think you should have.  Not the best marketing strategy, but it does cause me to trust him.   

Got a 7.8 "run" in.  Not strong and I ended up doing a lot of walking. but at least I got in the distance.  And now I am off to a CrossFit Foundation class.  Have a good day everyone.

Leah 

When my husband surprised me with the tri bike he snuck my road bike shoes to the car.  No pedals to fit my road bike shoes at that store.  So it was off to look at pedals, discussing the pros and cons of various styles then finding out which shoe worked.  I  liked the shoe right away, it was comfortable.

Spend time talking to the guys in the shop, let them know what your intention is so you cn get something that will work well for training and building into racing.  Most bike shop folks will spend time with you if you go in at a less busy time and explain what you want.  If they don't take time with you find another shop, it isn't worth spending your money in places that can't take a few minutes to answer a basic question.

I have friends that have done both the Title 9 and Danskin which will be called Trek this year, and the size of the race is hugely different. Danskin/Trek is huge and takes more time for race, parking, setting up transition and the whole event. My friends liked Title 9 more as it is about 25% of the racers and the vibe and quality of the event they enjoyed better.

Bike shoes/cleats...there are two main ways to go road or mtb shoes. Big difference road cleats stick out off the bottom of your shoes so they are bit harder to walk in but the interface between pedal and shoe is bigger so power transfter is bigger.

MTB pedals and shoes: Shoes are easier to walk in and the cleats are smalller and it is easier to clip in and out.

I have both and used my road ones to race tris, bike TT, road riding and my MTB when I race cyclocross or ride in the winter as I have winter MTB shoes/boots that are insulated and warmer.

Besides the two types there are different brands. I like Shimano pedals for both types and the road ones are nice as they allow for float but not to much. Float is the amount of free movement your feet have while attached to pedals. Some other brands have very little and some have a lot of float. Which can be an issue if you have knee issues with either to much or to little float.

Great place to buy them is www.probikekit.com
Pedals, cassettes, chains are cheaper here than anywhere with free shipping.

I'd suggest going to your local bike shop, try on shoes, and ask opinions about pedals. If you are going to only ride MTB may be strange to have road pedals on it, but if you going to move to road or tri bike soon buying one pedal system I'd go road so you can transfer them unless you want to end up buying two different pedals and two different shoes.

Some bike shops have a big selection of last years shoes much cheaper....Belmont Wheelworks has a lot of sale shoes.

Hooray Judi...a good fit that has your body/legs postioned corectly can actually give you free speed (depending on what changes you need to make of course) so there is some extra incentive for you!!!

I just recently got new bike shoes and I love them...its just like buying new normak shoes..try them on, check they fit and arent going to rub in any weird areas...arent too wide or too narrow etc... work out your price range and then try a couple of different ones to see whats most comfortable...

Cleats/pedals are then the next choice...its really a matter of individual preference...I ride Look keos and have the red cleats as they have the most float which works best for me and my knee...other people find a lot of float actually causes aggravation so like saddles it is trial and error a little but I  originally had SPDs as that was what my bike came with and stuck with them faithfully for about 3 years before someone suggested to me I could try something else! So..while I prefer my current choice the originals worked just great too!

If you do get cleats and pedals (whatever type you chose) then you need to go somewhere quiet and safe to practice starting and stopping/clipping in and out with them. It can seem a bit tricky at first...I  mentally use a check list whe stopping...slow right down, unclip left foot (thats the foot I unclip on you - you will find you naturally stop on one side) and then njust as the bike stops step down....it takes some practice but you basically dont want to put your foot down until the moment you stop as otherwise you might slide a little...no big deal!!!

Its just practice! Nothing to worry about really

QueenZipp - 2009-01-04 9:56 AM

kaqphin - 2009-01-03 4:51 PM

QueenZipp - 2009-01-04 5:04 AM I know Cat has been after me about this one:  I finally set up an appointment with the bike shop to dial in the fit for my BLUE.  I don' think they'll adjust much but since I didn't go in for fitting during the build I need to check things out with them.

Hooray Judi...a good fit that has your body/legs postioned corectly can actually give you free speed (depending on what changes you need to make of course) so there is some extra incentive for you!!!

That's what I need to kick Jen and Kristen's butts this summer

oh yes! I thought you would like that benefit...Im going to call the bike shop tomorrow morning and see if I can go in for a proper fit this week...my right hand keeps going numb and the initial adjustment cycle guy at work made has been great but he thought there was a bit more required...so I will go see the guys...possibly with Rocky Road as a bribe

i don't know a thing about shoes or clips - i have a big fat pair that must be MTB because the clip is recessed.... someday i'll buy new ones but i'm out of CASH!!!  I did get areobars from my boy - can't wait to get those babies on!!

What i do know is i love beer and specifically Harpoon Beer!! So for you local gals, Mina(Running4Beer) and I going to create a team for a Time Trial here in Boston - we can fit in one or two more cool chicks that want to be part of Team Turtles:

Here's the info:

Harpoon and FastSplits Multisport have teamed up to create an exciting ITT, right here at the Harpoon Brewery in Boston. Men, women and teams are welcome to race in heats running on the hour from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. 16 CompuTrainers will be arranged on the brewery floor for a scene set for intense competition and fun! The field is limited.

How to Register
The $30 registration fee includes 2 of your favorite Harpoon Beers and the race of your life on a 15K course. Register now and get more information at http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/itt.

Post-Race
The Harpoon ITT celebrates the intensity of indoor cycling and the camaraderie of a post-race beer.

We really hope you can join us. If you've never raced, this is a good opportunity to see what it's like. If you are a bike racer it will be an excellent indicator of your winter fitness level. Based on registration, we will place participants in heats with racers of similar abilities. All you have to do is get in shape over the next 5 weeks and bring your bike. We'll take care of the rest! Cold beer is waiting for you at the finish.

and here's our inspiration:

I've never done a TT and this sounds like a great way to start!!  Let us know if you want to join or let us know if you're the competition

Lisa,

That looks like a lot of fun.  Almost makes me want to go north again (NOT---I hate snow and cold)