2014 Rookies - CLOSED (Page 10)

You'll probably need to talk to Ron about the HR inputs I think.

The bike workout is basically a 40' ride in Zone 3.  The wording is strange for sure - 1 x 40' with 0' rest.

I read the last one as 1 x 6' with 5' rest and the 6' is broken down as the first 3 minutes at 100RPM, next 2 at 110 and the last at 120.

Is it a wetsuit you will be able to look at in person and try on?  If so, buying used could be okay (can see if there are any tears, gouges, seams coming apart....and try on for sizing, as there's probably no return policy on a used suit).

As for full versus half, I'd recommend full for two reason: 1) you're in CA and it's cold there, and 2) full is supposed to be faster. 

I agree with this, go with full sleeves.  You should also learn how to put it on properly so that it doesn't restrict  your movement at all.  Here is what I do.

1. Put both legs on and pull it up to your waist.
2. using the pads of your fingers and thumbs (ie. no fingernails!), slowly pull the wetsuit up inch by inch working it up higher on your legs.  
3. Then when you have it pulled up higher, put your arms in.  
4. Repeat the process of pulling the wetsuit up your torso and also your arms

My test to know that I have it on properly is when I can raise both arms straight up over my head and not feel any restriction in the shoulders.

Let me know if that explanation doesn't make sense...

Glad to hear you had a good swim.  

Determining what pace to swim at will take some practice.  You will learn what pace you can hold for a certain amount of time without blowing up.

Keep up the good work and keep us updated.  

Definitely check the size chart of the manufacturer.  If you are in between sizes, call them or send an email to their customer service and ask for more advice.  If you are close in sizes they may ask you take additional measurements to determine the proper one.

A few of my friends just bought Xterra wetsuits and they said they were allowed to try them on and swim with them.  If it didn't fit well, they could exchange for another size.

Donna,

Congrats on your wetsuit purchase!  Xterra makes a good wetsuit, but their customer service and the fact that they'll let you swim in a wetsuit and return it later if it doesn't work for you, is really great!  Definitely find some time to get it out in the water for a swim (non-chlorinated, if possible).

Which race is it that you're thinking of doing?  Where is the swim -- ocean (open ocean or in a protected marina), lake, river?

Where in CA are you located (I can't remember if you mentioned it before)?  If you're in the LA area, there is a good place to practice ocean swims in a protected bay near Long Beach -- very popular with the local triathletes.

As for coming in last, someone's gotta do it, right?  You also might surprise yourself.  Putting in consistent training really helps, and you're already on your way.  You've been swimming, biking, and running consistently.  So, my opinion is that you absolutely can do the race.  If the swim is in open ocean, where you have to deal with surf, I'd strongly suggest getting together with your local tri club and learning how to get in and out through the surf safely.  If it's in a protected marina, I'd strongly suggest getting in and swimming so you understand how your body reacts to the wetsuit and chilly water.

And if you can make it through the swim safely and comfortably, I'm confident that you will be able to finish the race successfully.

Looking at your logs, you've been getting in some good training.  If you can keep at it, and get some open water practice in the wetsuit, you should be able to handle that race distance.  I'd also guess you won't even be close to last place.

I got up at 4:20 to go to the pool, you can do it too!

Usually in the 8:30-9:00 range.  My wife and I get up at 4:20 pretty much every week day to train.  We've been doing it for a couple of years now so it's just normal for us.  No one that knows us thinks we are normal though.  

The early mornings take some determination at first in order to get used to it but once it's a routine it's not a big deal.  

Good work keeping up with the workouts.

Do not underestimate the importance of sleep and recovery!  There's no way I could train on 4-5 hours of sleep. 

I get up at 4am a couple days a week, and 4:45am the other three days -- I try to be in bed by 9pm so I can get at least 7 hours of sleep.  If I am up late a few nights in a row, I can usually pull through, but at some point, you start running on fumes and it's just not going to be productive.

As Arend mentioned, it's a bit of a transition to get used to getting up early and training, but after doing it for a bit, it becomes pretty normal.  I quite prefer my morning workouts over training in the evening.  After a long day at work, all I want is to take some time to unwind....and if my butt finds the couch first, I guarantee it's not going to find the saddle later!