triOK's Group - CLOSED (Page 10)

I'm going to give you a bit of a different answer.  But first, the disclaimers:  Robyn is right about getting injured.  I looked at your logs and since I can't tell, you could be courting injury.  I got ready for a marathon in 9 weeks and was very lucky to not get injured.  I think you can complete the race if:
1) you don't plan on racing it
2) You keep putting 3000+ pool session going
3) You run at least one 15 miler per week and several 5-6 milers
4) You get in a 3+ hr ride in each weekend.

Since you don't plan on racing it (RIGHT), you don't have to worry about a taper.  But be prepared to be out there a long time.  Just looking at your logs (all I have to go on), if you average:
2 min/100 = 38 min swim
18 mph     =  3h 6 min
11 min/mile = 2h 24 min

Total: 6h 8 min without transitions. 

If you're ready to be out there for a workout, then do it.  And that gives you an hour to spare for the cutoff.  But, like I said, be smart and listen to what Robyn said.

Here are some of the things that I have learned.  Get there early.  TT's are very unorganized before hand, but they WILL go off on time.  With or without you.  I missed a start by 1.5 minutes and the clock went ahead without me.  Also, bring your trainer and warm up for about 1/3 the time you think that it will take you to do the race.  You should just be building up a sweat as you get to the line.  Ideally...

You have to wear a uniform with sleeves.  It's a USCF rule (no kidding).  So get your tightest fitting top with sleeves and put it on.  I have worn cycling shorts to everyone of mine because you are getting very aggressive, so you are going to really be on the nose of the saddle.  More so than in a tri.

If you have an aerodrink, use it!!  Take your bottle cage holder off and don't bring any tools.  If you flat, you're done.  Just the way it goes.

As Triathletes, we are so focues on not letting Lactic Acid build up in our legs and down shifting climbs.  With TTing, you power through the small climbs and even attack them to keep your speed up.  Lactic Acid be dammed. 

Know your Max gear on the flats.  The 1st third, be one gear below that (easier), 2nd third, in it and switch between one higher and your max gear the last third.  The last 2 miles, stay in a gear where you are pushing but not mashing (fine line!!)  Only monitor your HR through the halfway point.  Unlike Tri's, that is not your guide, only a reference point.

Oh...almost forgot.  Do not be nice to the person passing you.  If they are coming around you and you need to move to the left to avoid a pot hole, it's THEIR job to avoid you!  Not like in Tri's where it's kinda like blocking. 

When you get done, go for a run.  You'll find that you can run just fine.  I have realized that I can go much harder on the bike and still have a good run.  You'll be amazed!!

Thanks Dan.  Lots to think about.....

AF

Thanks Dan.  That is some great advice!  I might have to go get a tighter bike jersey.  My sleeved jerseys are all kind of loose-fitting.

Cheer up gals!  There are a select few out there that race to win.... those people are undeniably gifted and lucky to have such talents.  But the rest of us that persue this completely insane sport do it for other reasons... we do it because it brings joy to our lives, provides us with healthy minds and bodies, and gives us something productive to do with family/friends instead of plopping down on the couch.

Race to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments.  Look at the progress you have made since you have started training... chances are you are not the same person you were just a month ago.  You have new priorities and a new way of looking at things.  Be proud of that.  Race day should be a representation of all of the hard work and dedication you have put in to getting there.  When you toe the line, you should be there confident that you have done what you can to make your race day yours.  Whether your first or DFL, you should be proud of your accomplishment.  I mean, how many other people do you know that are nutso enough to tri?

Your race day is yours.  No one elses.  Race day is the easy part... its the party at the finish line.  Enjoy it!

(That's part of the reason that I say don't do the HIM.  If you are going to do it, put some heart and soul into getting there.  When you cross the finish line, it will be that much sweeter.)

Amen, sista!!!!!!!!!

I was thinking more the Night Rider Hasselhoff.......I guess that makes me old.

Don't make me do it.... you have no idea how many PMs I got for this....

Maybe Aaron will settle for the hair!

I have two Honda CRV's (and I LOVE them) and we used to have a Pilot.  I have a bike rack that fits over the spare tire.  The spare is off center, but the rack is adjustable so the bike is directly behind the back tailgate.  I got it at Dicks, but can't remember the brand name.  This is actually the second one....first one got bent when I was rear-ended on the way to a race (running race, my bike was not on the rack)  Whew!

AF

You can sort of see it here....if the file works.

(bike2.bmp)

2 things.  First, everyone should be courteous in Transition and course for that matter, no matter how fast you are going.  Just because you're fast doesn't mean you have to be rude.

Second, remember that you can only have one to two "A" races a year.  That means that you use other races to work on one particular thing.  I go into a non "A" race wanting to work on something particular.  Case in point, my last one I went as hard as I could on the bike just to see how I could do on the run.  That's what "not racing" a race does.  You get the adrenaline and feel of a race which is something that you can't mimic in training.  Plus it lets you see things you can improve (nutrition, Transition set up) before your big race.

But never forget the Dan motto:  "We all cross the same finish line."

Nice! But the most important question of the day is, did you get the blue one or the red one?!  

Just so you know.... RED is the fastest color.

  Congrats on the new wheels!!!  We'll sit here patiently until you provide us with some bike porn.