kenj triathletes in training - IM and HIM focused - Closed (Page 11)

no race for me this weekend.  was hoping to get outside for a long ride for the first time this year, but the darn Wisconsin weather doesn't seem to want to cooperate (low 50s windy and rainy), so I've got yet another date with the trainer. 

Does anyone else have problems with getting foot cramps?  I sometimes get them swimming (both feet) and biking (right foot only after a couple hours).  If so, any remedies?

Todd

Let us know how you make out with the coaching.  I enjoy hearing how these things work out as I always learn something from everyones experiences.

Enjoy your visit with your Mom!

Morning gang! Looks like my brick will be done inside, at least the bike will.  Raining here this morning.

As far as shoes, I like the Saucony Progrid Omni's.  They are on 11 right now, I started with the 6's.  I have tried a pair of the Saucony Mirage 3's and like them.  I ran the HM in them and more than likely will run the HIM in them next weekend.  The key is to go to a store that video's your gait to make sure you get a pair that fits you. 

Did one short ride alone, just to focus on my form and spinning.  I really have a lot of work to do!  It was a relatively flat course, it was only an hour ride and my pace was 13.8 mph. Two years ago, I was doing this same course at 15.8.  Both were at a z2- low z3, staying between 90 -100 rpm.  I felt better after the ride than I have recently on other rides.  I have been riding with mashers and not focused on spinning.  Do you think this is why my biking isn't improving?  Again, I know nothing about cycling (only the knowledge from the books I've read).  I am hoping that having my bike fitted properly and a minor evaluation of my pedal stroke will help me go faster.  Even on race pace, my fastest is only 16.8 mpr (very hilly course, the fastest in my AG are going 21 mpr).  I fell like I need to go back to square one with re-learning how to ride and just keep spinning.  Any thoughts or suggestions? 

Thanks Brian!  I'll try not to over think it.  I am just frustrted that I seemed to be getting slower rather than faster.  I want someone to wave the magic wand over me to get faster, but sincethat is not going to happen, I was hoping for some magic training tips.   I will research the power meter.  Bummer on the sock.  It sucks being injured!  You are probably looking for that magic wand too...  Good Luck!

Thanks Brian!  I'll try not to over think it.  I am just frustrted that I seemed to be getting slower rather than faster.  I want someone to wave the magic wand over me to get faster, but sincethat is not going to happen, I was hoping for some magic training tips.   I will research the power meter.  Bummer on the sock.  It sucks being injured!  You are probably looking for that magic wand too...  Good Luck!

Rita, as has been said, optimal is different for everyone, but I think its something you can test inside if you have a trainer axcnd a speed/cadence sensor without a powermeter. I've always meant to try this test, but haven't so take it with a grain of salt...pick an objective measure (power/speed inside) and a particular cadence to maintain for a period of time. After a rest or another day shoot for the same power/ speed using a higher/lower cadence. Which was harder by HR/RPE? Rinse and repeat. Over long distances I think its a steady effort that you can maintain that will give you a great day. But for me that means mixing it up in turns of spinning/grinding.

When I ride.on the road bike I have no power meter or cadence censor, but j notice that if I am getting dropped but pushing hard, I can usually close the gap going to a easier cog and spinning fast. So my unscientific interpretation is that I am no masher and should spin more. But everyone is different and every ride is different.

Or, forget all this and just ride more. have fun with it.