kaburns1214 Mentor Group 2012 Part 2 - CLOSED (Page 119)

Thanks Jen and Karen! It was so funny when I put him up there he went right into aero

 Jen your bike times are great from what I have seen. The main reason I was able to jump in to a tri bike right away is I have to give back the bike I was borrowing here in a couple of weeks. Plus it was on sale I don't think going back to a MTB would have worked haha! No offense to my fellow MTB riders You will get yours in due time I am sure.

Jen -- its not about the bike, you know that.  A super nice bike is just an extra bell and whistle.

I used to have an aero bottle but I've gone to just using bottles on the down tube and seat tube.  I wasn't a fan of the straw in the face.

It should be the same position.  You just spend more before the IM.

I know, Kelly, but it would be nice perk to have a better bike.  Actually, I'd just like a better fit.  I feel like my bike is too big for me.  I noticed how stretched out my body looked in aero in some of the pictures from the Cleveland Tri.  I was super uncomfortable in general for that race, but I still think I need a better fit.  Or maybe it's the addition of the aero bars that screwed me up.  

Oh, well, it is what it is for this season.  This engine has been well trained, so I hope that makes up for a mediocre bike/fit!   

1:45 with Z3 intervals on the bike done this morning, and then 1:30 run with Z3 intervals later today.  Yikes!  Is it nap time yet?  Nope, my 4 energetic little ones are running around ready to go for the day.  They want one last day of pool time before school starts.  Tonight I have new parent orientation at the elementary school.  So glad I have tomorrow off!!!!

I have been having some serious IT band pain on the right side.  What causes this?  I rolled it last night and this morning after the bike.  I stretch after long sessions as well.  Anything else I can do to address this quickly?  Strengthening will have to wait until after Cedar Point, so I just need some tips to get me through......

Hey Jen, Stretching is good but like you said strength is the best. Do you feel a "knot" while rolling it? If so you need to focus on the knot when rolling/massaging it. It will be a little painful but the relief afterwards is worth it. If you can "breakup" the knot it will help more. KT tape is another option as well and may be best for a "quick" relief as well as healing. I can send you a pic/video of how to tape it.  You can get the tape on Amazon if you decide that route. Also, my PT said stretching at night is probably the best time and if you can make it right before bed is a good time as well as it can relax you before getting in bed, at least it does me. I can PM you all the stretches I do or there is a stretch routine here on BT that I find is good and includes some. Sorry that is probably information overload but it helps when you have a friend that is a PT Massage therapist and certified to KT tape.

I've been dealing with it for a while. Icing both my hips and IT Band area around the knee help. Also doing rehab low resistance exercises like mini-band walks or crab shells. Lowering the volume will help but being so close to the big race you're as likely as I am to do that.

Two questions --

What shoes are you running in?

Do you have a picture of the wear pattern on the bottom of your shoes?

The fit is more important than the bike itself.  Some spacers and moving the seat can make a huge difference if you feel really stretched out.  For now though, rest, rest, rest.  You're not going to change your bike position 2 weeks from your A race.

The problem with IT bands is that you can do all the icing, stretching, taping, etc, you want but your just treating the symptons.   Something else is causing the actual pain in the IT band.  In Jen's case my guess is that she's in the last week before her taper and her body is just shot. 

ANyone catch this article on triathlete eating?

Pretty interesting the volume of some of his food (peanut butter!)

Here are my thoughts:  http://somerandomthursday.blogspot.com/2012/08/some-thoughts-on-lan...

Larkin, Scott, and Kelly - Thanks for the thoughts and feedback on the IT band pain.  This flares up everyone once in a while.  Kelly is probably right - my body is sore and fatigued right now, and I'm sure my form is compromised.  Yesterday I fought the pain during my entire run, and then around mile 8 or so, my left groin muscle started to feel funny, as if it were being strained.  I shut down the run.  I don't really want to use the tape or anything quite yet, as I think rest is really the best thing for it.  I hope you get your pain sorted out before Patriot, Scott.  

Rest day today, and then one more big volume weekend of training.  Kids start school on Monday, so things will get quiet all the way around.  

I am retaining 3-4 lbs. of water this week.  It's disgusting.  I can't think of why this is other than the fact that I drank sports drink during 3 of my longer training sessions this week.  Actually, I've consumed tons of fluids via kefir smoothies, green tea, water, etc.  Oh, I ate like a hog as well, but it was all good food.  It's really annoying that I'm going into this race up 7-8 lbs. from last year! Ridiculous.    

I read this article in Triathlete magazine.  I felt jealous.  I want to eat that much food, particularly the Gorilla munch and peanut butter