David Gillen's Group - FULL (Page 12)

Well, I'm back home, and boy do I have a lot of catching up to do.  I'm so glad you all continued to post and talk.  That's great.  We've got a great group going here.  

Thanks to everyone who checked out my results.  It's really nice to know other people care. I'll write a race report complete with pictures soon.

I'll also try to catch up on the posts and respond accordingly, but give me a little time.

David 

I think monthly evaluation of your progress towards your goals are an excellent idea and something that I should begin doing myself.  So, kudos.  I'm glad you're more comfortable on the bike these days, and that your indoor swimming is going well.  About the run... I don't think you should be discouraged at all.  I know you don't like Z2 running, but it appears to be working great for you if your legs don't hurt as much and you can run farther without needing to stop.  That is real progress!

Pene, I know you want to run faster and improve your running pace.  Everyone does.  However, you're going to have to make a hard decision.  Do you want to postpone some of your pre-IM-training prep work (i.e, Z2 training) in favor of trying to get a little faster for your shorter summer races?  Or do you want to focus building a strong aerobic base by doing longer Z2 workouts that won't necessarily make you fast?  Either option is legit, but you can't do both.

The good news: You're setting a goal for June.

The bad news: It's not the right goal.

Pene, your IM is not until Sept. 2008.  Two thousand AND EIGHT!  Slow down a little, I know you're excited, but you've got time.

I'm not trying to discount what they said at the seminar, but I that rule of 3's was targeted at someone who is doing an IM that is about 4-6 months away.    I love your enthusiasm and goal setting approach, but I just don't want you to get injured or burnt out by trying to do too much too soon.  Remember the golden 10% rule: Don't increase your weekly training by more than 10%.

Like Pene said, you've answered your own question.  The main advantage to Disco for you would be the different course since you're already doing the Metroplex Sprint and Praireman out there.  

I'm probably going to do the Disco too.

David 

Awesome, Pene!  I'm glad the run and OWS went so well.  Plus, I'm really glad to hear that you got a wetsuit that fits well.  That's really important.  I just bought a full a few months back and now after swimming in it about 10 times or so now, I'm starting to find out that it's too tight.   It rubs the crap out of my neck.  I've tried a ton of BodyGlide and that doesn't help.  I've even put NewSkin, a liquid bandage over the sores on my neck and that doesn't help.  Plus, it's not just tight on the neck, but also the arms where it's even more important that it doesn't restrict your movement.

So, be glad and thankful that you found one that fit well.  It'll be worth the price in the long run! 

Awesome race, Kevin. Under 8 min miles on first leg, and just a little over 8 on the 2nd is quite impressive. You were KICKING IT!

I'm proud of you for drinking and eating more on the bike. I think most of us have to force ourselves to do this when we're racing at higher intensities. It's easy to forget to do, but it's so important. Personally, I find it easier to do if I set my watch to beep every X minutes to remind me to drink and/or eat.

First of all, congratulations on doing your first brick, Mike.  Don't worry about it being short, and be careful about doing too long of a brick as these are tough workouts.

Did you feel more like a triathlete?  I always do after a brick.   

Ken is spot on here.  My legs feel typically feel "heavy" after biking, and don't quite feel normal for 10-15 minutes or so.   I think many people feel the same way.

That is so awesome, Mike. I'm so happy to hear that you're enjoying the variety that multi-sport provides. If you're looking forward to training sessions, that's perfect. That's exactly how you want to feel, and what the sport is all about. You're absolutely doing something right if you're that enthusiastic. Keep it up, and keep telling us about it!.

Ahhh... the Ironman. Looks like it might have lured another into it's inviting arms. The IM bug is very contagious. It has a very powerful and emotional draw.

For those of you that haven't already been spying , here is my Alcatraz race report that has a link to a few pictures.  

Awesome, Mike.  Glad to hear you had a great training day.  Commuting to work is an excellent way to get in some extra miles on the bike.  Not to mention, the environmental and financial benefits!  Great job.

Nice work doing bi-lateral breathing too.  I can't do that well yet, and I pretty much always just breath on my right side which is a definite disadvantage in OW when they're are waves coming from the right!

Anyway, keep up the great work, and I know that I still owe you (and everyone) some good swimming tips and advice, but it looks like your doing great on your own! 

phoenixrising404 - 2007-06-05 1:21 PM David, I read your full race report to my son Noah. He enjoyed hearing about it! You just never know who you might inspire with these reports! Cute wife, too I'm glad you had her there for you!

Thanks, Pene.

You're doing a great job of just keep getting in the water and getting more comfortable. I think that is so key! Over the past few years of reading a lot of BT posts, it seems that a lot of people really struggle with feeling balanced, comfortable, and relaxed in water, especially open water. Once you get to a decent comfort level, swimming becomes easier, although not necessarily faster. At least this has been my experience.

Last summer, I swam in open water about once a week, and I think this really helped build my confidence and comfort level in the water. I'm still not a great or fast swimmer, but I'm confident in my abilities or I would have never signed up for the Alcatraz lottery (I didn't qualify, BTW) I think speed improvements come from technique refinements, not just more and more meters.

Anyway, take your time. Enjoy the open water and not having to turn around every 25 meters. It'll come.

Just had a MASSAGE! Yes, Phoenix is taking it easy for a change Highly recommend that for everyone! David, I think you've more than earned one!

Yes, massages are great and I do need one!