guncollector's group -- FULL! (Page 11)

Hi all. I've been ill this week, so haven't done anything since my long ride on Sunday

Hey Gang,

Hope everyone's doing well, or recovering from illness, as the case may be! 

We've been experiencing a ton of wind and rain lately (washed out any chance of outdoor run or ride this weekend) but today we got a break and a little sunshine.  Hope it holds.

Didn't get to see any of the race live (had a choice to do a long training ride or watch ToC on the day of the prologue--guess which I took?). 

But, I've Tivo'd the all the VS coverage.  I usually watch these types of recorded races on my overseas biz trips.

Good luck with the swimming.  Let us know how it goes.  Remember, its a steep learning curve...so don't get discouraged early on.  Just stick with it.  

Ron, hows the IM training going? I see you are doing some bike to run bricks, thats what I'm going to do in March. I just signed up for the Lance Armstrong Challenge in July in San Jose, I'll be doing the full century. Also I'm in for the March bike challenge, my goal is 400 miles for the month.

I was considering Big Kahuna later this year, I want to see how my running goes in March before I commit! Did you like this race besides the cold water and sinister railroad tracks? It seems like a low key race, besides I filled in a Oly to 1/2 program this summer to fill the gap, most of the distance I have covered except the run and bricks.

I bit it hard last month on some tracks, a couple weeks later it was a bee that got me right in the temple so I hope March is better. The weather has been good so I am going to do some longer bikes on the weekends.

Its going.  I think I'm still adapting to the back-to-back-to-back15-hour weeks.  Otherwise, its going better than planned.

Big Kahuna was awesome.  That was my first and only HIM, so I don't have anything to compare it to.  But, you can't beat the ride along Hwy 1 between Santa Cruz & Pigeon Pt.   Make sure you train on rolling hills...cause flat its not.  Also, as you mentioned, some training swim in cold water are highly recommended (though I didn't mange to get any in).  Seeing top pros, like Michellie Jones at the start line was cool too!

Right on!  I see the blue sky and sun out and just start daydreaming about long run and rides too!

The Napa Sprint was my first foray into this highly addictive sport. What do I remember? Hmm....

I remember having a total panic attack within the first 100m (of the non-standard 800m) swim. I went out WAY too fast, compounding my already-present first-time-racing OWS panic, and had to backstroke it for a minute until my heartrate dropped from hummingbird to rabbit. I finished in 16 min. and change, and recall being disappointed a bit. But, hey it was my first--and in addition to the panic attack--it was really windy and somewhat choppy--totally NON-IDEAL conditions for a first triathlon!

I remember being "on fire" on the bike. I passed people left and right, while my cadence "felt easy" (must've been the adrenaline talking). The rolling hills course was a carbon-copy of my training route, so it was very familiar. Plus, I had "pre-ridden" the entire course the day before and knew what gear to be in where. That was a big plus. My bike time was pretty good.

I paid a bit for my bike enthusiam--in hindsight--on the run. While I didn't have to walk, and faired better than most (having run alot of hills), I was getting pretty "well done" by the turn around...and finished "slightly charred". My run time was about on par with my regular run times--not bad I suppose considering it came at the end of a race.

What can I suggest for Napa preparation. Prepare for rolling hills--both on the bike and run! Alot of grumbling by folks on those hills--esp. during the run. Prepare for both HEAT and HIGH WINDS. Scratch that. Pray for NO HIGH WINDS. The swim can become extremely "unpleasant" if it is like that again this year.

Oh, and get there early--to find a parking spot, set up, and mentally prepare a bit. Give yourself plenty of time to get up there, cause there's only a one-lane, twisty road, to access Lake Berryessa. DON'T get there late like I did (my race buddy that day was not a "morning person"...pissed me off a bit as I'm a early bird)...stressing to get your registration, numbers, etc. situated...racking the bike...setting up transition...while hearing the first calls to the water's edge on the bullhorn.

Most of all...HAVE FUN! This is a great triathlon for first timers and beginners. Really friendly and supportive atmosphere.

Here's a cut-and-paste job from blog today...first 2 months (of 8) before IM Louisville have passed...and today was the time for a introspective assessment.  I suppose I'm posting here, because we all have "blinders" and "rationalizations"...so you guys can call me out any flaws in my logic/analysis.

I urge you all to do this every 2 months or quarterly.  Not that you have to post here, but really compare your training vs. your training goals and benchmarks.

12:00 Feeling tired.  I think as a result of the last 3 weeks, work, family stuff, etc.  Plus, my throat has been dry and scratchy, and I've come down with a little cough the last few days--and have been in complete denial about it too.

On the bright side, I did a little analysis of my first 2 months training...25% of my training plan completed...scary! 

First 2 Months Analysis 

I've accomplished my goal of a few long rides, the longest being a 4.5hr effort, including a climb of King's Mtn (2200+ elev. gain over ~5-mi.).  I've had plenty of long runs in the 90-120 min. range.  I've gotten in at least one 2.4-mi. length swim.  I can honestly say I suppose I'm "on target" in terms of preparation for Louisville--not that I'm satisfied with my training so far.   I can do more.

Looking good guys!  Keep up the good work!