owl_girl's Group --- FULL! (Page 13)

Hey Steve.  Check out Race Center.  They are pretty good.

http://www.racecenter.com/

I'll let you know about a couple of others when I get my own computer hooked up.  I have them on my favorites list.

Avenue of the Giants half mary in May is deceivingly difficult.  There are lots of short, steep hills and the road is pretty rough with lots of redwood roots poking through the road.  It is also very crowded so you need to start at the front of the pack so you don't get caught behind walkers.  (I made that mistake and payed dearly.)

Humboldt Redwoods half mary in October is flat and fast.  I liked it.  It also brings some crazy fast people that are competing for prize money.

I have done both races.  I am going to do Avenue of the Giants again this year.  I may make Humboldt Redwoods a marathon attempt this year.  (I'll definitely do the half mary!)

I've also been wanting to do the San Diego race.  It does fall at a bad time of year.  I've been trying to do it for several years.  I've heard that it is a blast!

What does everyone have on tap for the week?  I am beginning Half Ironman Training!  I am excited and nervous at the same time.  Who else is going to be starting a strict training plan soon?

Let's discuss swim training and racing this week.  I'm sure our resident expert swimmer, Sarah, will be able to help us all out in this department.  Shoot out your swimming questions!!!!  Cheers to everyone!!!!

My weeks are pretty much all the same:

• Swim: Monday and Thursday
• Run: Tuesday and Friday
• Bike: Wednesday and Saturday

I did 2000m this morning, 1200m straight, and then some shorter sets. I have my first triathlon this year in April, so I'll start doing shorter, faster sets soon. I bought a used wetsuit a few months back and finally tried it on last night. It wasn't as hard to get into as I was expecting, so I hope that doesn't mean that it's too big. How tight does it need to be around the neck to keep it from filling up with water? A wetsuit will be a must for my first tri.

Hi everyone,

I just got into Portland late last night, and haven't had a chance to check the board for a few days. So, I'm trying to catch up now. I had a great 13 mile run in Hood River on Saturday. (For any of you familiar with the area, my husband and I ran the old highway from Hood River then into Mosier and back) There were some pretty good hills, and I'm still a little sore. I rarely get sore from running anymore, but those long uphills sure got me. One of the things I planned to do while in Hood River was try on ProMotion wetsuits (since they are located in Hood River), but we didn't get to the store until 4:15 on Saturday, and the sign on the door told us their Winter hours were closed at 4:00 on Saturday and all day Sunday Oh well, I guess I'll have to find some while I'm here in Portland.

This is the one I use too. I like it, but I haven't used any others so I don't have any comparison. It's pretty easy to set up though and works well. It makes me work alot harder than when I'm out on the road, I like to coast

I love it! It's going to take some time to really get the form down, but I have already seen an improvement in my perceived exertion and speed. Of course, I'm also at lower elevation and out of the snow now so it will be hard to compare for awhile.

Anyone trying to race on a hybrid, mtb, etc will benefit from using slicks. I'm not sure how huge a difference it makes, but you will definitely roll easier.

Are you currently riding in bike shoes? If not, consider mtb shoes with or without toe clips. The stiffer soles of bike shoes will also translate into extra speed. Of course, you will also lose some time in transition with having to change into running shoes.

Cheap way to get a road bike? Borrow one from a friend! Craig's list, and possibly Ebay if you know what size you'd need. 

I'm in PDX until Friday. Hopefully, we'll be able to get out of town early enough Friday to stop in Hood River at ProMotion. I was really looking forward to getting my wetsuit on this trip. Good luck on your run Sunday! I wish I was staying long enough to do it, but we have a long drive back to Montana.

A wet suit is supposed to fill with water....a little.  That is what helps insulate you.  Make sure the neck is comfortably snug.  You don't want to have any gaps that will rub on your neck while swimming.  Smear Bodyglide all around your neck, too.  Take your suit to the pool and do a few hundred yards.  I know it will be hot, but suck it up so you can get a clear picture of what the wetsuit is going to do to your body.  Take note of any drag which might indicate that the suit is too big.  Also, pay attention to behind your knees.  That seems to be a trouble spot for me if a suit is too large.

What muscle groups have you been focusing on in regards to helping your swim speed?  I want to get faster, too.  I feel like I'm in a holding pattern again.  Ugh!

I am Back home now. I had a nice trip

had an amasing run on Sat 5 kms in under 40 mins it felt good  but paid for it Sunday a whole day of recovery

I don't own a wet suit and have no plan to get one any time soon the water at my 1 race is warm water. but if i choice to stay with this  I will need get one  the ocean here is cold.

nice to see every one is in the grove