Newbz winter training group is FULL!!!!! (Page 11)

Took yesterday off - traveled to my alma mater on Wed to see a concert...and a 5hr drive back...yesterday.  Lifted this morning, PT this afternoon and thinking about getting my afternoon swim in.  Pigged out on Mexican while I was there....   But still weighed in at 227 this morning.  I think I do want to take another 10-13lbs off....plan to watch the calories a little more closely over the next couple of weeks.

I'm itching to get out and ride - but still haven't picked up a bike.  Maybe this weekend...

Malcom, good luck getting the bike.

Ten days of running in a row now (and 12 of last 13).  Taking David's advice to running more often.  We'll see this Spring how much it pays off if I can keep it up.  My weight is coming down OK from the extra running, riding, and weight lifting.

EightmanVT - so how did the bike shopping go.  I went low end with mine.  Big investment for something I wasn't sure I was going to like or keep going. 

I got an new 08 Trek 1.2 it's the bottom end race bike.  I love it though.  The saddle is perfect.  I rode about 3 different ones to get a good feel.  I figured I can always upgrade. 

I just had the best workout.  Rode the bike on the trainer using an interval video.  It really helped the hour go by quickly.  Your own personal spinning class.  Then I jumped on the treadmill for a 30 minute run.  My pace was 8.45.  I do think the shorter harder workouts the  last 2 weeks have improved my endurance and speed.  I could have ran longer, just didn't want to over do it. 

Haven't gone back to the store yet - I got my long day at the gym in today so I can do that tomorrow before the super bowl.  It's supposed to be a little warmer tomorrow as well...too cold today for me to ride outdoors. 

Nice job on the ride/run - I did another one of those today myself...since last week's was such a shock to the system.

Kelly, I am very happy for you with your new bike.  Low end models are very very suitable for beginners.  One can read and dream about all the upgrades, but get that first bike and it is sweet to ride it.  As you commented, if you stick with racing, and improve significantly, and then want to commit more money along with your time, then better bikes will still be available later.  A good bike is the important thing and the bike you got is a good one.

Managed to get a short run in today.  Either I am really out of shape or this chest cold is winning the battle.

On another topic, has anyone ran the Chicago Marathon?  It is now open for registration and I am trying to decide if I want to spend the $125 entry fee for it or not.  Would it really be worth the price?  The other race that I am considering instead is the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton PA which based on last year is only $65.

I pay what is asked for races I like.  If I want to race and want to pay, then I guess for me the price is not too high.  I don't know how high $150 is, but it kind of makes me smile when I hear people say "I'd wouldn't pay $60 for a sprint", then I see that they've paid $55 numerous times.  I know that is not what we are talking about hear, but my point is, if you want to do a race, and it fits your schedule, and your having fun - then pay the price.  Think of it like entertainment.  Folks a pay $50 for a movie night, then argue on some of these BT forums that a $65 sprint duathlon is overpriced.  I say "skip butter popcorn at the movie, go have fun at the race, and pretend it cost $55 with the money you save from skipping popcorn and candy". 

Anyway, I know that is what is not going on hear, it just reminds me of some of the goofy conversations I hear on the BT forums and wanted to support paying $150 for a race if that is what made you happy.

Hi David.  I am still taking your advide on running.  Tonight I should get in my 14th day in a row of not missing a run.  (I know you didn't tell me to run every single day).  The advice I am taking to to run often.  For now I am seeing if I can keep a streak going.  When I am tired I run less or slower or both.

I bet your tickled to be back in Ohio.  No girlfriend or hills to worry about.

Glad you had a good time out West.

Just finished my 14th running day in a row.  16 of last 17 days.  I'm not tried yet.  I'll take a break soon.  I'm trying to keep up the riding, but since I am lifting too, it is slipping just a bit.

Lifting doesn't make me sore either.  43.5 years old is good to me so far.

wow 14 days straight of running! That's intense! I don't think I've ever come close to that, even in HS cross country I think 6 days would probably be the longest stretch. Even if I planned to I don't think I could pull that off, something would come up. For instance I missed a run yesterday (Grrr). A friend came in from out of town spontaneously, and right up until midnight I had planned to run once she left, but the it hit me I had to work at 6. I am really trying to be very rigid for these two weeks leading up to the race too, I even wrote down a taper down schedule. I wonder if I'll be able to stick to that lol.

Yea I was kinda joking about getting screwed with the race fees I would have paid more if I had too. Austin is a fun town it's pretty and I like the atmosphere, great place to do my 1st marathon. Sadly though on this weekend there will be no drinking on 6th street

Sooo....I"m going to pick up my bike on Friday...  I'll be picking up bike shorts, shoes and maybe a water bottle holder.  Any other "must haves" that I shouldn't walk out without?

Also - anyone see a hitch carrier...that doesn't make it so you can't use the hitch?  I sort of had a vistion of a hitch carrier that has another 2" piece welded...so you could still tow with the hitch.....  if you kept it short - and you could - you would only move the tow point by a few inches...  I might not be able to tow the boat...but could at least tow the jet ski.  I want to take at least that when I go down to the tri in NC.

Is it just me or did our group get smaller again.  Thanks for keeping up the posts.  Way to go on the running Thomas.  

 eightmanvt - Have fun ridding your new bike this weekend.  Are you planning on getting a computer to log your miles and time?  The one I got doesn't calculate cadence.  I wish it did because now on a trainer, I have no way of keeping track. 

I have been down and out with a sinus infection- just been resting- the indoor tri is on the 15th.

Hey guys,

I've been AWOL for a little while. New puppy training and a slight injury to my back. I will be starting the TTT training on Sat. I was supposed to start Mon. but managed to hurt my back helping my Hubby to clear up the downed trees in the yard. So I'll be back driving everyone crazy shortly.

Chris