swbkrun's group- CLOSED (Page 11)

Speaking of bikes, here's a question for you guys.  I have a cheap mountain bike and will probably be using it for my first couple of tris (after that I'll look into getting a real bike).  Should I switch out the tires to smooth ones or not worry about it if I'm going to see about getting a new bike anyway (it may be another year or so before I can save up enough for a decent bike)?  And what about the pedals?  Is that something I should consider changing?  If I do those things, I'd like to do it now while I have time and then can get used to them when I can start riding outside, but not sure if I should spend the money for something that might end up being temporary.  I guess the question is, would it make enough of a difference in my race to be worth the money?  Being my first tris, I want to finish but also finish well.  I'm obviously not expecting to win or anything like that, but I'd like to finish without feeling like I'm going to die.  Does that make sense?

Janet

Wow...miss a couple of days and you really fall behind!  Sounds like everyone had a great Christmas.  Congratulations to all of you for keeping up with your training over the holidays.  Wish I could say I did the same.  I did however eat lots of food and drink lots of wine!  Oh well, back on the training wagon as of today.  I will hit the gym this evening for a few laps in the pool and a go on the treadmill.

There is something wrong with me, I ran again today.  I think I have a problem with the warm weather...

Another 3 miles, but I ran hard - mostly Z5.  I know, I need to be careful too.  I just couldn't help myself.

SOMEONE IS LESS THAN 4 MILES from their goal for the year!! 2 days left!! NO SWEAT!!!

HECK YEAH!!! WELCOME BACK!  Send another profile if you could for everyone!! GOOD TO HEAR FORM YOU!

I think if you anywhere between $95 (used)-$150 you are fine...

I use the Look Keo Carbon Pedals (not a huge fan of float... I am already pigeon toe'd so I don't want a bunch of float)...

And Tracy is right... My shoe is the Shimano... Super easy transitions...

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Janet

I think getting new pedals should be a priority. They are pretty inexpensive and will make your riding so much more efficient.  I switched to Shimano SPDs on my hybrid bike and bought an entry level pair of bike shoes.    The beauty of these pedals are they are double sided so there is very little hassle clipping in and out.  When you buy your road bike you can always upgrade the pedals and shoes if you want to.  Your LSB should be able to install them for you when you get your bike in for a check up.

Have fun!
Suzy

PS. I started this note about two hours ago, left and finished it up only to find about a million other recommendations on pedals!  If you want a more expensive pedal than the SPDs, I think the Shimano Dura Ace 7800s are terrific.  I put them on my bike about two weeks and the weight distribution makes for a smoother pedal stroke and the cleat is signficantly lighter.

Alright.... So I am going to throw it out there.... 2009 Goals for next year.....

Here is what I did in 2008....(I am out tomorrow until next week, so I am done for the year)

Here is what I want for 2009: 

I have a feeling that am I full of S**T... I am not doing an Ironman this year, but still hope to maintain that level of fitness.... We shall see!

2008 was a pretty decent year for me.  First Boston, first triathlon, but unfortunately my first serious running injury.  As a result, I am about 100m down on my running mileage , but had lots of growth in biking.

I don't normally set mileage goals, but my 2009 overall goals include:

Must Do's
1. Completing my second Boston
2. Completing my first Olympic distance
3. Feel like a swimmer, not like a tadpole in waiting

Stretch Goal
4. Complete my first 1/2IM with a big fat smile on my face

Thanks for all the replies/suggestions for tires and pedals.  I'll talk to the guys at the store when I take my bike in to have the gears looked at.  I figured changing out the tires and pedals would help so I'll see what I can do.

Janet

This was my first year training and I started in April or May I think here at BT.

In 2009 I am doing my first 1/2 and full marathon so my running should be way up.  I think I should be closer to 1k after it's all said and done.

Need to work on the swim, I can hang Mid/Front on the bike, mid on the run but DFL on the swim.  Working on that with lessons now so hopefully that should improve.

I am going to do a variety of events, doing a mtn bike race on Jan 31st, will sign up for the PA or Richmond Exterra event, plus some sprints, olympics and if my swimming comes around do a 1/2 IM, maybe patriots.

I am not the best at making goals, lol maybe it will be a goal next year to be better about making goals...

Yeah, no way I'm posting my numbers after that!  How do you have time to post on here?

Thanks for letting me in for my 2nd go around.  

Name:  texwilk/Mark

Story:  I am 36 years old and live in Austin, Texas.  This year was my first year to get into triathlons.  I was always a pretty competitive athlete growing up and focused on swimming through high school and my first year in college.  Since then, I rarely swam but ran off and on for exercise.  

I joined Steve's group this year and absolutely loved it.  He is a great mentor and I really felt that I learned a lot.

Family Status:  I have been married for five and a half years and have 2 wonderful boys. Reece is three and a half and Nate was born in July.  They have kept me busy and cut into my training a little this year but I loved it.  I have a great wife that is competitive as well and loves to run..  She has been gearing up for a half marathon in Feb. but is not too interested in triathlons.  She is, however, very supportive.  

Current Training:  My focus since late September has been mostly on running.  I am running in my first half marathon in February.  I plan on picking up my swimming and cycling at the beginning of the year.

2008 Races:  I competed in the muddy buddy, 3 sprints, and one olympic......and a 5K a few weeks back  I was very fortunate to finsih towards the front of my AG but would like to focus on training and endurance for longer races.

2009 Races/Goals:  My wife and I are both entered into the Austin Half Marathon in February.  Other than that, I am not sure.  I would like to get in a few olympics and possibly a half iron by the end of the year.  I would like to improve my bike leg as that is my weakest point.  I had a hard time dedicating enough time for long rides (newborn) but hopefully that will change this year.  

Weightloss:  I worked pretty hard this year and am pretty happy with my weight.  I have been putting in a little time on weights the past few months and wouldn't mind on spending more time on improving my core strength.  

I'll step up and post my totals for  the "less milage" group. (Hopefully I'm not the only one with these types of totals).

Welcome back Mark.  Hope the kids are doing well. Running the half marathon with your wife in February sounds great.  Glad to hear you both are able to get out and exercise with the newborn. We'd love to see some pictures  

Here are my totals for 2008.  It was my first full year of training, so I would set much higher goals for myself this next year.

2009 Goals: Bike 1000 miles, Run 250 miles, Swim 50000 yards, and 25 hours of strenght.

Sounds like someone has 2 days to run 6 miles !!!!

Mark- I did the Muddy Buddy the 1st year, and I was like a little kid stomping through the mud!  I loved it!! It was in Seattle the 1st year they did it (Brooks is the MAIN sponsor and their headquarters are based here) and it hasn't been here since!