Gary's Mentor Group - Re-OPENED for Training (Page 110)

Originally posted by Brett's

Well got a short hard run in today. Only two miles but at well above race pace. 1st mile was 7:20 and second was 7:40. Not too bad for a guy who 10 moths ago barely finished 1 mile in 9:30.

I hope that everyone had a Great Friday!

Originally posted by Brett's

Simple question: What training did you do to get to your current pace? Running daily? Running intervals? I can't seem to break through the "barrier". I run 3x a week, bike 3x and swim 2x a week.

I didn't or haven't really followed a plan exactly. Haha, my schedule with work and family is so spontanious that it is hard to stick to one. I simply try to commit to one day a week to focus on speed. I don't go more than 2 miles but just run as hard and as long as I can. Take a short breather in between 1st and 2nd mile. Usually just long enough to get a good stretch in. I have been doing that for a few months now and it seems to be working. I also try to run 3 days a week. Long runs are around 6 miles and they usually average around 8:30-9:20 per mile. I ran my first HM in feb and averaged 8:49 per mile. So this type of workout has helped me a ton. I don't use any HR monitors or any other tech item. Just going off of feel works best for me.

Hope that helps. I am new to all of this myself.

Originally posted by Panther

Thanks for the replies guys!

Another question: I have always been super prone to get side stitches when I run. So.... I detested running. Then about 2 months ago, I read that it is from eating and/or drinking before you run. You should abstain from eating 4 hour and drinking 3 hours before running. So I tried it. BINGO! I haven't had a side stitch since!! YAY! But..... now that I'm approaching being able to run 5k without stopping and I sweat a lot, I'm concerned about hydration.

Is there a risk of getting stitches if you ONLY drink periodically during a run? How do you approach hydration vs. side cramps?

Thanks

Originally posted by Panther

Makes sense (as usual).

Energy has become a tiny bit of a concern while swimming now too. I know I just need to build up my endurance and muscles, but I'm noticing I'm running out of gas half way through the swim workout. Would it be out of line to stop and eat an orange or down a gel or gulp an energy drink in the middle of your swim workout?

Speaking of swimming... my pool closes tonight for 2 weeks, but our passes are valid at the St. Mary's, Ontario, Quarry. It's the largest outdoor freshwater 'swimming pool' in Canada, so I'm thinking it would be the perfect place to practice OWS because they have lifeguards and the water is cold because it's ridiculously deep. Problem is, the lane swim is all the way across the quarry = 75m (The quarry is 2500m long x 75m wide x 7m deep), so I guess wearing my wetsuit for the first time would probably be appropriate for warmth and for floatation assistance?

Originally posted by Brett's

Swim question for everyone: Should I be concerned about trying to do the full race distance on Sunday for my swim? Or should I just try for roughly half. I have done the full distance one time since I started training. I am comfortable in the water but probably not the most efficient. I plan on following it up with a 16-20 mile ride. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Originally posted by GaryRM


Remind me when your race is and how long? If you have the confidence to do the distance then just do your regular workout. If you think it will be a confidence boost then do it.

As for me, I swam with the masters group for the first time in months. Only did 1800 yards but it was a good swim. Hopefully I can swim with them more. Rode for an hour on Saturday and a 4 mile run on Sunday. I ran too late and it was hot and miserable but I got it done.

Lots of missing folks, where is everyone? Hopefully training!

Originally posted by GaryRM


Remind me when your race is and how long? If you have the confidence to do the distance then just do your regular workout. If you think it will be a confidence boost then do it.

As for me, I swam with the masters group for the first time in months. Only did 1800 yards but it was a good swim. Hopefully I can swim with them more. Rode for an hour on Saturday and a 4 mile run on Sunday. I ran too late and it was hot and miserable but I got it done.

Lots of missing folks, where is everyone? Hopefully training!

Originally posted by Brett's

Swim question for everyone: Should I be concerned about trying to do the full race distance on Sunday for my swim? Or should I just try for roughly half. I have done the full distance one time since I started training. I am comfortable in the water but probably not the most efficient. I plan on following it up with a 16-20 mile ride. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Remind me when your race is and how long? If you have the confidence to do the distance then just do your regular workout. If you think it will be a confidence boost then do it.

The race is an Oly distance and it is in 12 days. I have not had the chance to do a tremendous amount of swimming but feel fairly comfortable about the distance. I have only had 3 previous OWS so this would be the 4th. I am nervous and excited about the whole thing but the swim is my biggest concern out of all of the diciplines. I wil have 4 hours to finish. Bike should take 1-1/2 and run about 45-50 mins.

Originally posted by heltonjjh

I would love to be in your group. A little about myself. I am 32 and from Indiana. I am new to tri training, but have done all three on an individual bases over my life. I am looking to do a sprint/oly distance tri next spring. I like the sport but I am new to the training. I did competitive bodybuilding for some time over the last few years and just got burned out. I am a bigger guy so I struggle with the running. I like swimming but am not very fast. I have been married for 10 yrs and have 2 kids. I was in the Marine Corps and got out in 2002. I look forward to any feedback and training advice.