Gary's Mentor Group - Re-OPENED for Training (Page 101)

Hi all ... no training this week to speak of, unless downhill skiing counts.  Just wanted to pass along some pics' from the week's ski trip.  Staying at a little town/community called Eden, Ut which is 4-5 miles from what is aptly named: Powder Mountain

Ciao ... Dorm

(PowMow slope.jpg)

(PowMow poma.jpg)

(PowMow trees.jpg)

So started using the HR monitor and this morning's run was done with it.  The entire time I ran, I was about 10/bpm over my upper range and the monitor beeped the entire time. I tried to slow down my pace a bit but any slower and I would have been walking.  

My thinking is that as I continue to run, my body will adjust and the HR will drop?  

Quick note:  I've been training on the bike since early January. Just started the running this month (February).  Prior to bike training, I was doing cardio at least 3 times a week if not 4 (on an exercise bike) for 35-40 minutes a session.  Used to be an avid swimmer.

Spicer, what is your basis for your different HR zones?  Have you done the TT testing as discussed via the site ... there are tests based on avg HR level over a 20 min time trial to help determine running and cycling zones.  It sounds like your range settings may be low on the HR monitor.  If you've not done either test, I recommend reading Mike Ricci's article and basing your HR settings once you've done the testing. Google search for the article 'Lactate Threshold Heart-Rate Zone Testing Protocol' ... which has a good discussion of testing, various formulas used to calculate LT level and a link to the site HR calculator.  Once you have your avg HR over the test period, plug it into the calculator and your HR levels would be based on current conditioning.  Hope this helps ...

Thanks read the article and some of the others.  I have found several resources here in Houston for getting tested all around $100-150.  I think it would be worth it.

Hey all!

Back from vacation.  Didn't workout a lot but slept a bunch and feel pretty good except my shoulder that I hurt with the luggage yesterday.  Will restart workouts tomorrow but did get a run in Thursday, some swimming in the pool, and several hours of kayaking. 

As for the HR, I had the same thought that I wondered how the baseline was set.  Make sure that is right first before adjusting your workouts to match the HR ranges.

Read all the articles.  I've found a couple of places here in Houston that will do the testing for around $125.  Includes the lactate "finger " as well as a nutritional analysis.  I was thinking about doing what you said with the self test.  In the meantime gonna keep doing what I'm doing. 

Rode 20 miles today at a leisurely pace (T.I.T.S.). 

Hey all!
Got back on the bike yesterday for a short 40 min trainer ride.  Temps were in the 40's outside and while I love running in those temps, I much prefer the trainer for riding in those temps.  Plan is for 5-6 mile run tonight.  Tomorrow I have to get back in the pool for serious lap swimming.  Been too long since I have been in the pool.

Hopefully this week is where my workouts really kick back in.  Work should be calmer and I can have a relaxed week!

Congrats!!  Nice job and great time for your first half mary!

Congrats!

Hey all!
Came home just in time to get a cold.  Managed to swim yesterday before things kicked in.  Hoping that better living thru legal pharmaceuticals will end this soon.

How is everyones training?

Training here is on schedule.  Biking weekly (in the sun when I can and in the gym when I can't).  Running is the same.  My body will get used to it.  Gonna schedule a HR test with the professionals in March.  Swim starts in March also as I don't need much time to get up to speed for my swim (that was/is my preferred sport).

Welcome back Gary!

Hey all ... got back in yesterday from vacation and am happy to be home.  All that skiing with kids, teenagers and others was tough!  I fell while almost standing dead still and hurt my shoulder which makes swim training tough.  First race of the year is just over 2 weeks away ... at this point I'll be happy to finish the swim at all - so it is what it is.  There's still biking and the run, which I can do so I'll be training hard with those and see how the shoulder comes along.

Crappy weather is in the forecast for the weekend so training will be either the treadmill or trainer and then the hot tub.  Hope all have a good rest of the week and weekend.

Ciao ... Dorm

Dorm - Glad you had a great vacation

For me, still getting over cold.  Did 20 mins on the bike last night and it actually helped.  Dr gave me a cortizone shot today and I should be feeling great soon.  Probably will keep to light workouts until Saturday so I can get over this.

After a good January, training took a back seat a little in February. Kicked it back in gear yesterday with a mini-brick - 15 minute on stationary bike followed by 30 minutes on the TM using the rolling hills setting.

I am following a modified OLY 16 week training plan even though my April race is closer to a sprint. They call it a classic distance - a ½ mile ocean swim, a 19 mile bike course, and a 4 mile out-and-back run course. So I don't panic when I miss a few or have to modify the plan. Strange discomfort in the back of my left knee, doesn't bother me in B, R, or S, but when stretching. I am guessing it is related to being on the basketball court 2-3 nights a week refereeing. 

Looking forward to my long run today (70 min) and a little snow shoeing tomorrow on my off day.

Have a great weekend everyone.

DW - Good luck on the plan and the Oly

I am still fighting this cold, got a short ride in the other day but no running or swimming as its moving into my chest.  Add to this the Skeeter run is next weekend, as the race chair I am not running but lots of activities between now and then.  Looks like we will have over 400 runners for the Baton Rouge race alone.  Very happy.

Take care folks!

Did a true 1st time brick for me on Saturday.  Did a 9.4 mile bike (plus distance to the track) and then ran (and walked) 1.7 miles.  The short stints of walking were necessary because (like I've said before), I am having trouble with running.  Once I was done, my legs felt great with just a little soreness, I jumped back on my bike to go home and today I felt none the less wear for the tear.

I believe that I am going to find a running coach here locally to see if they can isolate my problem.  I have a terrible time running but once I'm done, I am back to regular breathing, heart beat, etc. within 2-3 minutes of stopping.  Very frustrating.

I am, however, pleased with the fact that the actual brick was not really a problem.

Hello - I've been so busy with work I haven't had any time to check in here but I have been keeping up with training on the bike. Went for the bike fit last week at Cycle Fitters in Easton, PA. My bike was definitely not set-up right for me so the time and money were well spent. I'll really get to feel the new fit once the weather starts to cooperate here in NJ.

Swimming to start next week and add in more running. Need to get back to a stretching and yoga routine as well. Lost 6 pounds since early January so I hope to be back down to low 180's by May race which is a HIM "lite" 50 miler which is my first race of the season and my longest ever. (Wife has paid the life insurance!)

Have a good weekend everyone!  

Hey all!

Sorry I have been AWOL but between my cold  and the Skeeter run its been nuts.  The 10 skeeter runs went off today.  So far no major glitches, statewide almost 1900 runners pre-registered but we will go over 2000 runners easily.

I am heading to bed and hoping training restarts tomorrow.  I have one month until my first Tri of the season.

Gary

Okay, I am back at it.  Still probably on 95% but on the mend.  16 miles on the road yesterday, bit cold but felt good to be back on the bike.  Swam 1000 this morning and felt okay. 

Lets hear it from everyone else!