kenj's group closed, training hard and having fun!! (Page 14)

I was supposed to run and swim yesterday. I got the run in which for me is much more important than the swim. So the plan was to lift and swim today while the girls had class. They are there for 2.5 hours so that gives me plenty of time. Unfortunately, the little one fell asleep in the van. This rarely happens and she hasn't slept well this week (up all night Sunday) so I felt her sleep was very important and didn't want to wake her. She got her nap in and I had to choose between lifting and swimming. I chose lifting since it takes less time.

Tonight I have to also get on the trainer and in reality I should be doing that right now so I get it out of the way and then maybe I could make my swim up while DD has swim team if there is room for me (depends on how crowded the pool is).

My goal is to do the training on the day I am supposed to but if something gets in my way I try to simply move the workout rather than not doint it at all. Long run is Wednesday so I'd rather not have to do anything else on that day. Saturday is going to be tricky since DD has her first swim meet but I think I will have a chance to run the track behind the Y when she is not racing though I am not sure what time I work concessions. I will try to work it in.

Having 5 kids can throw a kink in the mix. There is something going on every single day. I am fortunate though that I don't have to work so there is flexibility and I am able to swim or run outside thanks to the YMCA childcare.

Sounds like fun! One of the things I am looking forward to with grandchildren (hopefully not for a few more years) is pushing them in a jogging stroller and pulling them with the bike. BTW, I have been beaten several times in running races by people pushing strollers.

Just like everyone else, time is always an issue. I do have a plan for each week for running and biking which helps me keep on track. The one thing I am OCD about is sticking to a schedule so even though I don't write it down, as long as it's in my head I will stick to it.

My biggest issue is my swim training. Right now I just fit whatever I can into my lunch breaks. Planned on going today, but I worked into lunch a little and ran out of time. Unfortunately, swimming takes a back seat because I don't like the training as much as biking and running. My pool is not the best; only 20 yards, in a basement with no natural light, always way too hot, and too strong with the chemicals. I always finish with my nose burning. Fortunately I am not a bad swimmer, usually MOP, and I always really enjoy the swim in a race. I think if I could swim outdoors, either pool or lake, I would swim a lot more.

Vivian, I have found carbon fibre to be worth every penny.

Aluminum to me was always very light and responsive but harsh - you feel every bump in the road and it takes a toll in only a few miles. Carbon is magic. Without feeling mushy it manages to soak up many of those same small road imperfections. Granted, you don't need an entire carbon frame to get the majority the benefit - a carbom fork will get you much of the way there and if the rear triangle is carbon as well that'll get you IMHO about 60-70% of the feel of a full carbon bike. I know Trek makes bikes like that, I'm sure there must be others. It's a great way to go when starting out. Bought my GF a bike like that for $800 and she really likes it.

Having said that, there are some fantastic deals on aluminum bikes these days, particularly on the used market which is a great way to go provided you have some experience with what you're looking at or can tap someone on the shoulder for a little guidance. Go this route and you won't have to worry about losing much money should you decide to sell in a few months for whatever reason.

I have a couple of training issues I could use some input:  

I find myself putting off the biking because I'm not comfortable on it.  I don't have any issues with riding in general, just the seat is uncomfortable. I replaced the stock seat with one that had a little more cushion, but it doesn't feel like I'm supported correctly.  I can never get comfortable for any length of time.  Any suggestions?  I have a schwinn fastback (entry level road bike).  It just really makes me dread a long ride.

I ran yesterday and tried to speed up a little (it was a 4 mile run).  When I got done I felt like I could have gone a lot faster, but mentally I kept worrying about not completing the run if I sped up and felt more tired than I actually was.  Any advice for picking up speed a little.  I've only been focused on running for times in the plans and now I want to work on speeding up some.  I definitely feel like I can speed up quite a bit without overdoing it, but I'm not sure how.

Hey All - sorry I have been out of the loop for the last few days.

I got back from our vacation yesterday and I either have a cold or allergies. But it is kicking my butt right now. So I haven't got a workout in since last Wednesday. I am tapering for Sunday's HM, but usually taper doesn't mean do nothing. I will hopefully get in an easy run and yoga class tomorrow.

Another big issue right now is hubby was just offered a job in Anchorage. Would be a huge promotion for him, but would also mean moving to Alaska. Freaking out right now, stress very high - don't know what to do. sigh.

What happened to the tire?  Valve?

Overeat?...Defnitely!!

I find the double workouts very difficult.  Not enough hours in the day

I have 2 kids & that is a kink.  5 must be 2.5 kinks!!!  Holy cow!!

I bought the aluminum first.  wanted to see if I would stick with it.  I upgraded within a year, so you may want to move up, as the advantages, are great.

I think buying low first is OK, because

1.  The used market is good.  Will probably be an easy sell, if necessary.

2.  My first, my hybrid, I kept.  I use it as a commuter bike, ride it with the kids & for "low key days". 

3.  Many do sprints with these bikes & do just fine.

JMHO

Bike...Couple of thoughts...

1. Are you wearing cycling shorts?  A must!

2. Have you had a bike fit?  Professional is best, but a bit pricey.  Otherwise there are fit calculators on the net that sometimes help? Trial & error.  Moving the seat a little may be a great help.

fit calculator example...

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO&INTRO_LINK=NOREDIR&SITE.CODE=TRI

3. Cushy seat is not always best.  It is a saddle, not a seat.  Most saddles are rather hard & it is the support of your "sit bones" that seems to be important.  Hence seat position is so important.  If you feel numbness, etc, on your "man parts", a saddle with a furrow up the middle, can help.  Keri Kadi has tried several of these & may have some advice.

4.  The is some butt hardening that will occur, as you get more riding time in.

Hope some of this helps....

Hope you feel better soon!

Wow, that will be a change.  Lots of thinking to do!!

Love bikes.

Nothing wrong with aluminum IF if comes with a carbon fork to dampen road noise.  Otherwise, you pick up everything.  I love metal bikes. I have a titanium road bike for daily riding and aluminum road bike for commuting because they are indestructible.  But aluminum will transmit the noise through the frame to you without a carbon fork.  You can always use an entry level road bike for something in the future if you decide to upgrade.  That said, if you know you are going to stay with the sport, carbon is sweet.  I like stiff carbon because I am a big boy...no flex for my 200 pound frame.  The power goes to the wheels instead of getting absorbed by soft flexy carbon.  Main thing, ride lots of bikes before you buy.  You'll get on one and know that is the one you love.  Love your bike.  You will be spending lots of time on it.

As for seats, comment was right on - cushy is not best.  The pain and numbness in the butt is caused by blood not reaching the tissue because the seat is too soft and crushes the tiny vessels,. or so I'm told.  You want soft only on the sit bones, harder foam everywhere else.  After cancer surgery, I was led to the Adamo saddles in 2006.  They had just come out.  Awesome.  No pressure underneath and foam where it should be and not where it shouldn't.  Gel on the sit bones only.  I've ridden thousands of miles.  Love them.  they make a tri saddle the "racing" model.  It has a neat little lip on the back of the saddle for hanging on a bike rack in transition.  Rails are titanium, so a little lighter. 

Also, the advice on shorts was right on.  Put some money into them.  I have to change some out of rotation, used up, and even my Adamo can't save me after a couple of hours on the old Bontrager shorts.  They are good for about a year and a half.  I have like three pairs and rotate.  Time for new.  Also going to try the new TYR carbon shorts and top.  I am so hot in hot weather and they claim the wicking is so good it lowers body temperature several degrees.  

I guess the valve got stuck. I filled it up and checked it in a bucket of water and no leaks. As of yesterday night it was still holding air.

I have a lot of sympathy for you. Last year I finally bought a road bike and I struggled all year with it. Comfort was a big issue for me. I had 2 different shops fit me for it. Both made little tweaks here and there. I just never loved riding my bike.

This year has been really interesting. I love riding my bike. Time in the saddle I think has been the big factor for me. Just getting used to riding I think took a while for me. I’m still tweaking things here and there just the other day I tweaked my saddle position. My next bike investment will be a new saddle.

Take your bike to your LBS and pay them a few bucks to fit it for you. And then go out and ride for as long as you can stand it and then slowly increase your time in the saddle. It may take a while but your body will adjust and you will get comfortable riding. Don’t give up on it!

Oh and I did want to mention to get a good pair of bike shorts.

Here’s an article on bike saddles:

http://www.epicidiot.com/sports/bicycle_saddles.htm

Did you read Ken’s post on running? I think he makes a lot of good points on running and speed and not over doing it.

Finally had a nice morning here to get out for a run!  With any luck it will at least be this nice for the weekend so I don't have to do the half marathon in the rain! 

What do the rest of you have planned for today?

Thanks for the advice on bikes.  I've been obsessing over it and have been scouring the market for a good used bike.  I'm going to see a Trek 1600 WSD tonight, aluminum with carbon fork and seat post, 300 mi., 2007 model.  She's asking $800. 

We'll see.

I actually ran a little today - sustained 3 1/2 mins. at 5.6 mph.  The knee is getting stronger and I'm actually able to run long enough to realize how out of shape I am!

I am so glad you are having nice weather and hope it holds out for your HM.

It is already so warm here I have to run in the morning or the evening. I am not a morning person so running in the morning is rare. One of the boys had an orthodontic appointment today so it was up and out early or wait until this evening. I will be doing my long run tonight while DD#1 is practicing with the swim team. This is the longest run I have done in a while - 60 minutes so we'll see how it goes.