Stoop Dog's Tri Group - CLOSED for 2010! (Page 15)

This zone is most effective for overall cardiovascular fitness. Increases your cardio-respitory capacity: that is, the your ability to transport oxygenated blood to the muscle cells and carbon dioxide away from the cells.  Also effective for increasing overall muscle strength.

I'm not a certified trainer but my coach has me staying in Zone 2 (z2) for the majority of my workouts...as we move closer to the tri season and start training for (ultimately) my two Half-Iron distance races, most of my training will fall into Z1 and Z2...alot in Z1 believe it or not as it builds the mitochondria that help move the bad stuff out of the muscles and reduces fatigue and cramping...of course a half-iron distance is a much longer race and the training/goals are different than for a sprint.

So, for a sprint tri, basically you would need to spend some time in all 5 zones in order to prepare for the higher intensity.  That being said, without knowing where your strengths and weaknesses are and really being able to see you technique, etc it's hard for me to tell you where to place your efforts.

There are some good sprint tri training plans on BT that could give you some more specific direction based upon your race timing. (just under 8 weeks)

Phil

Interesting about the shoes. I have always worn Nike. Though I have never been a runner. I just always liked the comfort and style of Nikes. When I got this brain fart a year or so ago to get in shape and live a more active lifestyle, I tried to find a better shoe. I ended up with Asics. I am running in Asics Gel-Nimbus-11's. I have no idea about these shoes but I like the comfort.

There are so many things I have no clue about here. I am just winging it. hahaha. About the only thing I am pretty sure that I am good on is nutrition. The rest is a blur and I take it day to day.

I still have no idea what type of clothes to wear. Good thing I have some time. I love the benefits you get from the bike shorts but I hate the way they look. I ride now with a pair of shorts on over them. I cant figure out which way I look like more of an idiot. Haha

Good luck with your new bike. I got an awesome deal on a bike a few months back and pulled the trigger. I had a very very very old bike before that. Im liking the new one..

Tri-wear...my comments...

1. running shoes...very individual  Been wearing Asics for a long time. They fit me best.  Nike 
I find a small sizing.  Where I am a clydesdale, I need a support shoe or my knees get achy.  This is how how I know I need a new pair.  Also because of body mass (215ish), I go through them much before the 500-800 miles, that is talked about as a running shoe life.  I am on the 300-500 side.

2. Cycling shoes...I am road shoes at moment.  very stiff & "enclosed".  Not meant to be taken or or off quickly.  When I purchase my Tri-bike, will probably get Tri shoes as well.  Will be interested if any difference, beside  the fastening straps.

3.  Tri/Cycling shorts....I like the tight fit.  Sweat goes thru & don't feel like it is being mopped up.  I like "tech" tops as well, for same reason.  There have been numerous threads, here, about shyness wearing these.   Everyone seems to agree, get over it.  everyone else is doing it & no one cares.  Another tip.  If you are worried about your "junk" showing through spandex...Black covers best.  Wearing others colors seem to leave much less to the imagination.  If you want to keep some semblence of modesty, go black!!!

4.   Shaving...The hardcore cyclist & Tri'ers still do.  Legs as smooth as a baby's butt.  I am not that hardcore, but you never know! 

5.   Socks...I like the, even though they are usually quite thin.  To save time in T1, many will go barefoot in a tri shoe, depending on the distance.  sprints are common sockless.  Oly's, few more wear socks, Half & full iron, most/many wear them for blister prevention.

6.  Fuelbelts...I have 2 of these, 1 with large bottle at back & 1 with 4 smaller around waist.  Don't like either.  they bother me.  They jiggle around, keep moving etc.   I have friends who always wear them for long runs.  I now just carry fluid (as evidenced by lighthouse pics).  This seems to be best for me, but obviously very individual.  At a race, there is plenty of nutrition provided by organizers, so I don't bother to take any of my own, except gels, for longer distances.  I have not done half iron or iron, but bike nutrition for this seems to be a whole topic to itself.

Ok, time to go to spin...

Have a good day, athletes! 

Thanks for the advice.  I do appreciate it.  I like the asics.  I think I will stick with them.   They feel great on my feet and I like the extra arch support.  I am like you as well. I go through my shoes faster.  I guess its my extra weight.  I am loosing a little as I train but I am being very careful that I don't cut too much too fast.  I don't want to interfere with my training.

I dont want to swim in bike shorts but I think I will really need them for the 57 mile bike ride.  I may just wear a pair of compression shorts under my swim suit and then change in the transition area.  Not sure yet  I will tackle that bear later.  For me, my first HIM will not be as much of a race as it is an event.  So I will not be humping it through the transition area like the racers.  

Im not shaving my body.  No way.  And I will have socks on.  Call me what you want.  Hahaha

You guys have a fantastic weekend.  I am sititng here having my oatmeal and getting ready for my long run today.  I am ready for it......   Using my Garmin for the first time.  Thanks for recommending it.  Now I have something else to learn.    

My bike you ask.   I purchased a brand new, left over 2009 Obrea Onix....  It is a road full carbon road bike.  I got it for a steal at the local bike shop..   I am having them add the tri bars to it but I actully like the road bike for riding around here better than a tri bike.   Its a nice ride and i hope to get to spend a bunch of time on it.   I dont know a lot about bikes and know nothing about Obrea but some people that I trust recommended it.  So far, so good....

Here it is.  Its not exactly like mine but close

http://www.orbea.com/en/bicis/modelos/onix_t105_ct/presentacion/