Fred D and Jason's (Tri808) Half Ironman Mentor Group CLOSED! (Page 14)

I can't answer all of your questions, but I may be able to help you out with some of them.

1) I'd stick with stuff you've trained with, and if you prefer not to use the gels and e-caps, train with the chex mix and orange and see how your body tolerates it.  If you have positive experiences with them, go with it....if not, figure out what works for you (even if it means bringing your own nutrition).

2) There are a couple drawbacks I see with the camelbak -- one is that it won't be easy to refill (unless you stop, which if you're not out to break any speed records, maybe you're fine with this plan) and another is that having it on your back might make it more difficult to keep cool??

3) I've never used KT Tape, but I have used Rock Tape, and that stuff will stay on!  My chiropractor put it on me on Friday night, race was on Sunday, and I peeled it off Monday in the shower -- multiple showers, a couple runs, and an entire race with the Rock Tape not budging.

5) When I pull my wetsuit off, it comes off inside out -- somehow that makes it come off over the watch, even though I'm quite certain I could not put it on with the watch on my wrist.  Give it a try and see if it works.  If it doesn't, you could pull the watch off before peeling your wetsuit down....alternatively, you could mount it on your bike and start the time when you start the bike leg (that's what a friend of mine did).

x4 overall, x2 on the pics!!

x2.  Last year I did one race taking the watch off running to T1 - total pain.  The other, I peeled the wetsuit off inside out and it popped right over the 910.  Only thing to watch for is inadvertently hitting the lap or "stop" button.

There is a way lock the buttons (I *think* it's mode and up arrow at the same time).  So you could start it at the start, lock it just out of the water, take off the wetsuit and unlock it after the sleeve is off - then use as normal.

Might be too much button-ology for a race setting (I know my mind doesn't focus well in a race on anything other than keeping the gas pedal down, so YMMV)...

Or just peel and if it hits a button, just accept a slightly different split than the timing chip - it wouldn't be that different anyway.

Matt

ETA - wrt carrying a bottle on the run (Nathan makes one that is good), I did that in a HM last Nov and it worked well.  Had Kim and the kids hand me a freshie 1/2 way through.  Perfect.  BUT, I don't like to carry anything (and belts are a pain when I'm racing - just the feel of them is too "training-runny" for my taste).  So, we've recently started doing middle distance runs with a fuel belt bottle that fits in one's "natal cleft," as it were (aka, your butt-crack).  It has a cylidrical top 1/3 and then is flat to the bottom, with a kind of shelf that catches on your shorts waistband.  After about 200m, you get used to the feel and it works really well...  Just another option!

Hey Mike - how'd the Quincy HM go??

Matt

You should always practice your nutrition whether it be what they serve on course (if you choose to take from the aid stations) or if you plan to bring your own.  I must admit that I'm lucky to have a tolerant stomach and don't need to test as much as far as what my stomach will agree with.  It's more about taste and texture, and choosing the products or items that have the nutritional ingredients that I need. 

Again, just be sure to test the camelbak in training.  It should be fine if that's what you prefer over bottles, but take into consideration that some camelbaks may not allow heat to dissapate as well off your back.  If it's going to be a hot bike ride, that's something you may want to consider, or again...at least test in training.  Regarding the cramping issues...it is of my belief that cramping has more to do with pushing harder than your fitness allows rather than some form of hydration or electrolyte issue.  A lot of people report cramping issues when the temperature is hot...and that's likely because when it gets hot, it becomes more difficult for our bodies to work at the same effort as we are used to.  Therefore if we don't back off a tad (or sometimes a lot), we are essentially going harder than our body is trained to.  Thus the cramping issues.  Of course it is still important to drink a little more when it's hot, but just don't get confused into thinking all you need to do is drink more to solve cramping issues.

After a bike crash, my PT gave me some KT tape for my shoulder.  He said it was ok to swim with, and for the most part, it stayed there.  But all I did was swim...didn't race with it.  I know others who have done races where the KT tape was applied before the race.

I don't use calf sleeves.  Many people swear by them, but I don't think there is anything proven that shows they help performance during the time of exercise.  There have been many pros who have admitted to wearing them during races only because of sponsorship obligations, as some felt it made no difference while training or racing.  However, there are some studies that compression helps during recovery.  I do own a pair of recovery tights, and after some hard training or races, they do seem to help.  Especially good for plane rides after a race.

5) Watches & wetsuits. I have a heck of a time getting my wetsuit on and off as it is - how do I deal with that and my watch (Garmin 305)? Sorry if any of these are silly, but I need something other than my lousy swim to occupy my panic zone.

The water is almost never cold enough for a wetsuit where I live, so sorry, I've got nothing for you there. 

Great questions though!

Last of this string of posts, lest I end up talking to myself...

Did a mostly unintentional brick this morning.  Plan called for some brutal hill reps (5x3+ minutes - but I was between 324 and 350W for them, and didn't drop wattage in the later ones, so I'm happy with that for this point in the season!) and then an aerobic ride home, and an optional 30-45 minute run at some point.  It was so nice out this morning, and going to rain all evening, that I got off the bike, changed and ran without really thinking about it (short run - 3.5 miles).

First one I've done in a lot of months, and it was good to remind me what that heavy leg feeling is like.  Also good to remind me that just cuz they feel heavy, doesn't mean I'm running slowly (went about 1min/mile faster than my target pace and didn't realize it until the 910 buzzed and provided a reality data check).

Ah, learning...

Felt good, though!

Matt

I have had good luck putting my wetsuit on, rolling up my left sleeve (where my watch goes) and then stretching the wetsuit over the watch.  It's a little tight fitting, but I don't notice it during the swim.  Plus, even if it was a little uncomfortable, it's better than losing the watch.

Hi, everyone. Here's my info:

NAME: Mike_D/ Mike D

STORY: I'm 46, and just over 3 years off the couch. Lost 60 pounds since then. Got into tri's when asked to be the bike guy in a relay at the local sprint tri in June 2010. Had not ridden a bike in ages before that.  I was slow at the tri, and was riding my Trek 7200 street hybrid, so the goal was to finish my leg.  After doing it, I decided I had to do a race myself, and signed up for a race within a week. Could not run or swim at the time I signed up, so I had my work cut out for me. Was totally addicted the second I crossed the finish line. It was one of the best feelings of my life. 2013 will be a big year and I hope to continue to build on what I've learned, and hopefully share it with the group. 

FAMILY STATUS: Married for 17 years, 2 kids - girls ages 13 + 10.

CURRENT TRAINING: Working toward the first race of the year -- Patriot HIM on 6/15. Training has been inconsistant, and I'm also suffering from a nagging hammy issue which has been around for a couple months. It got to the point in mid April where I stopped running for 2 weeks, and it feels better,  but I'm very aware of it, and a bit paranoid about making it worse. Run volume is low, but swim & bike are good.

THIS YEAR'S RACES: In 2012 I ran my first HM, did 2 sprints, and a highly disappointing DNF in my first HIM in June (bike crash)

2013 RACES:  2 HIMs (Patriot, Timberman), 1 Oly (NYC Tri), 1 sprint (Cohasset, MA), a maybe a HM this fall. Plus a 1 mile swim race across Boston Harbor in September

WEIGHTLOSS: down 60 pounds since I started this madness

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR OR GOALS:  In light of the hammy issue, my expectations for the June HIM is to finish with a smile. I had a bike crash on this course last year which ruined my season. I literally broke my bike in half on it, although I was lucky enough to not be seriously hurt. I'm REALLY looking forward to going back and crossing the line this year.  Since my second  HIM is 2 months after the first, I'm sure i'll have plenty of questions about ramping training back up, and other related things. 

Welcom Carrie and Mike

One last thing about the calf sleeves.  It is my understanding that if your race is USAT sanctioned and not wetsuit legal, they will not allow you to wear calf sleeves during the swim, but you may put them on during the bike or run.  Per the rules, I don't think you are allowed to wear any type of arm sleeves or anything below the knee if the swim is not wetsuit legal.  Something to possibly consider.

I've never used a camelback so I can't really comment .  I wear a belt while training but don't like anything while racing.  I kept a disposable water bottle in T2 and took it with me on the run and then just tossed it when I was done and lived off the course.  I preferred that.  I liked not having to wait until the first mile to get a drink after the bike.

As for the rest I can't really comment.  When I've worn a Garmin I've just put it on in T1.  I'm usually at the back of the pack and don't mind waiting til after the race to find out my times.

I've held off booking my hotel until after I ride the course!  Knowing my luck I'll finally have that boost of confidence only to find myself without a place to stay!! 

My goal is to beat my past HIM time.  I'm not as well prepared and was in better shape back then but... I had some mechanical issues on the bike, horrible cramping on the run, and it was a VERY hilly course so it would be nice to have a smooth race and see what a 'normal' time is.