Fred D Mentor Group Part III (Page 10)

Have you considered a run/walk method?  It could allow you to run at your comfortable pace, and the walk breaks would allow you to hold that pace for the entire run.

***Here's a random thought I just had, and would like to hear feedback on it***

I think our bodies are designed to run at a certain minimum pace (which of course is different for everyone, and can change as fitness changes).  If you force yourself to run too slow, I think it becomes inefficient.  Try "running" at 2 mph.  You'll likely exert more energy than walking, not to mention using up mental energy trying to stay at that speed.

If you don't yet have the endurance to run at this "minimum pace", then maybe a run/walk is in order?  What do you guys think?

I'm probably the last person that should answer, but I will anyway because if I'm wrong, I would like to be corrected.

From my understanding in a tri bike fit, stem length will impact where the arm rest pads line up to your forearms, and where you hands sit on the extensions.  You could keep the same "fit" (meaning angles) with a longer or shorter stem, but you would have to adjust where your forearms rest on the pads and how your hands grasp the extensions (unless you move the armpads back or forth, or use longer or shorter extensions).  This may or may not lead to comfort issues...only you can say but I don't think it should impact your aerodynamics or power output if you are comfortable.  If while using a different length stem, you are not adjusting the armpads/extensions, and are resting your forearms on arm pads the same way as you were fit, then you are changing the angles.  How much of an angle change and how important, I don't know. 

For road bike fits, I think stem length is much more important because we generally ride a lot on the hoods with our hands having access to the brakes/shifters.  So using a longer or shorter stem will change our angles in the position we use most.

There's certainly nothing wrong with run/walk.

I agree with Fred -- all of us can run slowly, and can do so with reasonable form.  I've run with my kids many times, and the youngest runs 12:00/mile or slower, which is more than double my 5K pace.  Now yes, there is an extreme slower than which engaging the running motion is silly.  But I'd suggest that this extreme is could be as slow as 15:00/mile.

I agree.  One thing that could be affected by moving pads around relative to the stem is handling.  But 10mm doesn't strike me as a huge issue in that regard.

Yeah, that seems like it might just be the best new technology coming out in that area.  I'd love to get my hands on one

I do not think I would like a run/walk strategy.  I pretty much hate walking.  Just ask my dogs. 

I guess it didn't take long for the Olympic "hangover" to wear off.

Well, I'm pretty miserable this morning.  Yesterday morning at work my lower back started to tighten up for some reason.  It used to happen frequently but it has been years since I had any trouble with it.  As the day went on it got worse and I was pretty sore by the evening.  It's no better this morning either.  

The worst part is I have no clue why it happened, I was just at my desk working like I normally do.  Nothing different that I can think of.  

Sally,
 
I work on weaker disciplines or just improve in areas I want.  I will still maintain all three and will occasional push the intensity in something I am not focused on.  I have heard before that Triathlons is a winter sport.  I kind of believe this.  To me it means working through the winter getting better in the sport.
 
I have an uncanny knack to go without a scripted plan.  I can just visualize the plan in my head projected out about two week.  Three week and I am screwed, jk.  I have tried written plans and they were a disaster for me.  I have never use a coach or been coached.  It is not that they would not work for me; it’s a combo of things, trust, financials, and the ownership of just doing this myself.  I think people should try a coach if they want and can fit it into there lifestyle.  Don’t know why I mentioned this. 
 
Anyway, I think you will come up with the right discussion/plan and don’t let what everybody else is doing influence you to the point that you have to do something.  Does that make sense?  If you want I can give you my opinions on what to work on or focus on, but I think you know this. 

Probably from that crazy swim you did the other day.  My head still hurts from looking at it. 

I suppose it could have been a combination of things that led to it.  Between that swim and the one on Monday, I've probably done more fly than I have done in the last 15 years!  Still really weird how it just slowly got worse over the day.  My back troubles used to always be one sudden event that triggered it.

Just seems odd that it was more than 24 hours later before any symptoms appeared.

Hum, given the 24 hour period you sure it is not good old fashion DOMs?  The timing would be about right.

It sure doesn't feel like DOMS but my wife agrees with you....

I spent the whole year without a plan.  I just knew that I wanted to swim more than in the past, stay strong on the bike, and try to improve the run.  For the most part it worked out really well, and not having any real structure meant that if I missed a workout, or backed off and did one easier or shorter than intended, then I wasn't really beating myself up for not following the plan - I just didn't have one.

But now I want to try and add back some real structure and see what it does in terms of generating improvements, as well as how I handle it.  If I find that life doesn't allow for a really regimented plan, then I'm fine with going back to just winging it on a daily/weekly basis. 

On target for the first 15 mile week is a long time.  Surprisingly pleased with that.  If I get a wild hair, I might just start swimming again next week.  Also worth noting, even the shortest and slowest run is ill-advised following a massive Mexican lunch feast. 

hahah - I'll add that a run is after an eggs benedict brunch is equally ill-advised