Artemis's Group - FULL (Page 14)

Maybe....maybe not.  

Ok..probably.  I don't really want to get rid of it all.

I think you'll be okay if your plan is to swim more often.  It might be problematic if you decide to go from swimming 1500 in a workout to 3000 without taking the time to increase slowly.  You'll be a little sore, but I think you'll be fine.  Good luck!   

I say 'welcome', too. 

Regarding fins and paddles (Robert):
Fins - If they are long, like for snorkling/diving, I don't find any benefit to my kick, but the increase in speed helps my stroke to relax.  I've never used the small fins made for kicking, but from what I've read they sound good I may get a pair after race season.
Paddles - I like them, they help with arm strength, but be careful to slowly increase volume with paddles or you might get hurt.

Regarding running (Kelly):
(1) Are you building distance or are you doing short races?
(2) Maybe your shoes are tyed too tight?

Running - I would think perhaps your laces are tied too tight, too.  Foot strike can also play a big part, too, but it's harder to fix that, I think.  I don't recommend speed work until you have a solid running base built up.  Maybe throw in some slightly faster running every couple weeks, but really, be patient and your times will drop.  I ran 10:00 min mile pace last year and I am running 8:00s now.  I did nothing but run a little bit over the offseason.  Stride turnove is a big part of speed: the faster you turn over, the faster you run.  You might look to see if you can shorten your stride - you don't want your feet way out in front of you (picture a sprinter), you want them landing beneath you.  If you're heel-striking, you may have too long a stride.  I shortened my stride and it helped a lot.  I now land on the mid-foot and it's helped.  Good luck!

Thanks, everyone, for giving a thumbs up for Mitch to join us.  I'll wait for Jen's response before I invite him over.

I'm okay with having another person join - don't mind checking in on more people at all.  Feel free to invite him in! 

I'll post more later today, it's just a busy day at work. 

Well, since we haven't visited in here for a bit, I thought I'd drop in and see how everyone's training is going.

For me, my leg is definitely on the mend and is feeling a LOT better, now that I've slowed down my pace.  Running fast is an ego boost, but running without pain makes training a lot easier!  My swimming has been fantastic this month, which has been a huge help during my recovery.  I get my new bike in three weeks and I just can't wait!  I rode my "old" bike yesterday and enjoyed the ride, but shifting was a workout on its own.

Well, I hope everyone is doing well with their training and is enjoying the spring!  Jen - I hope you get to feeling better soon and that your visit to the doctor's is productive!

Hey Everyone,

I just finished my first duathlon of the season yesterday and I beat my last years time by 7.5 minutes, which was great I guess my winter training paid off. 

I'm still swimming with my tri club on Mondays and Wednesdays and that is going great.  I have been enjoying riding my new bike outside as the weather here has been great the last few weeks.  As far a running goes, I am still increasing my mileage but have been hit or miss with my plan.  I'm getting nervous for my 1st 1/2 marathon at the end of May and feel very under-trained.  I  don't want to try and makeup for lost workouts and get injured, so I guess I'll just have to bear down and start getting my runs in.

P.S. I've still been reading everyone's blog, even if I don't leave comments.  I'm really proud of our group and we've all really evolved in our goals and as athletes. 

Erin, congratulations on your great results at the duathlon!!  I'm glad your training is paying off.  

I feel like the slacker in the group with my training right now.  I'm really proud of all of you for getting out there and doing as much as you can.  I can't wait to see what we're all able to accomplish this year. 

I'm getting better as far as my energy levels.  I had another doctor's visit this morning and they are checking my thyroid levels again.  We're probably going to increase my dose, so hopefully that will provide more benefit.  I do have to have an ultrasound tomorrow to make sure that there isn't anything wrong with my thyroid (nodules, masses, etc.) that is causing me.   I'd appreciate any good thoughts you guys can send my way.  I'm a little worried.  I'll keep you posted and leet you know as soon as I hear anything.

Other than that, I've had a migraine for about a week.  It's finally starting to go away today.  Hoping to get a run in today (even if it's short).  I really need to do more biking.  My MS150 ride is only 5 weeks away!   

Quick update on the medical things:  I had an ultrasound of my thyroid gland today.  The tech told me she couldn't really give me results, but she did walk me through what she saw.  No major masses or nodules or things that need to be removed (yeah!!).  She did say that the texture of the tissue looks wrong.  It should be solid and the same, but mine has holes in it and sort of looks like it's being eaten by moths.  Waiting to hear from my doctor, but I don't think I'll need surgery (what I was really worried about) and I'm thinking it's going to be a matter of treating.

Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers!  It's nice to have headed my way.   

Well, it's that time of the month again!  No, not THAT time of the month...  :P  I'm talking about setting our goals for the next month of training.  I have found that by setting some goals for myself, I WILL work harder and get more accomplished.  I've had a great weekend, and was able to catch up on my rest/sleep, so I'm feeling good.  I'm still taking tomorrow off, as I have a lot to do at work tomorrow, plus my visit to the doc.  But, here's what I think my May goals will look like:

Swim: 14,000 yards

Run: 50 miles - yeah, that's quite a jump, but with a lot of 2-3 miles runs, plus a 4 and a 5 miler, I should be ready for my 10k on June 2.  I WILL obey the 10% rule this time and really listen to my body MUCH more now. 

Bike: 30 miles - yeah, it's not a lot compared to the swimming and running, but with the 10k coming up, I'm focusing more on building up the running.  I decided to bag the tri in June and keep building up, focusing on the tri in August.

anyway, great work this month everyone, keep it up!!!