oops, sorry, the couch to 5K gets up to 30 minutes straight running, but I'm a slow runner and there's no way that will equate to 5K in 30 minutes.  I would suspect that I could cover 5K in 36-40 minutes

I would love to do a half marathon in the fall but I don't think I'll be able to get to that distance.  I did one half with Team in Training in 2006 which was a fantastic experience, started training for the next, stress fracture in the right tibia.  Then that healed, started running again, stress fracture in left foot. Rest, repeat, stress fracture in right foot, grrrr....which is why I'm switching to triathlons

Ok, for what it's worth, I wouldn't worry too much about that extra few minutes. If you wanted to get your long run up to 40 minutes, you could start adding a  minute or two now and get close. Race adrenaline might get you the rest of the way. I normally wouldn't mess with a plan too much, but adding a few minutes to your long run, if done gradually, is probably not a big deal.

But with all of the training you are doing, I don't think you need to...

There is a great rule of thumb out there that when you are attempting your first race at a new distance, you never worry about a fast time. And, I would equate that extra pressure to run the whole 5k as a "fast time" worry. Who cares if you walk some? What is important is getting to the finish line. 

I had to learn this in a very painful and disappointing way on my first Marathon, and hope my advice saves someone else from that same kind of experience...

Does this make sense?

That's the fun part!!!!   The best part of any event for me is the final minute in the corral or bullpen  right before the gun goes off.   Heart is beating fast, taking a few extra breaths,  looking around at the other faces,  knowing they are thinking the same thing, all wondering how we can possibly manage to do what we are about to do.   so the best part IS the nervous part, and then knowing you overcame all of that!     

Yvonne for sure....   Dare yourself to do what makes you so nervous!

You can do the couch to 5k in 30 minutes.  I know anybody who is motivated enough to try the couch to 5k can do it.  I did it myself, and the first time I ran 5k, it took me about 45 to 50 minutes (dreadfully slow).  Now I can do it without thinking much of it in 32 or so, but if I push I can get under 30.  So as a general mantra is that if a 315lb dude (as myself) can do this, you can too!

Mark W.

Q - yes that makes sense.  I had a goal to run the whole two miles in my first sprint and didn't meet it, my legs just refused to work after coming off that bike! lol  I'm trying to train smart to avoid further injury so I am taking an extra cautious approach to all training.  Thanks for all the advice!

Dave- yes the nervousness is fun but I can't watch those open water swim starts with arms and legs flailing! I've never thought 'gee, I wish I was in the middle of that' Maybe one day I will!

Well  you are just getting started on your "journey"   You don't know how it will end up!

I admit there is a certain hilarity in thinking all of this is "fun"    Watch this vid.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnqpYKx8Fvk&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL7EDAE4BB33A18AC2

People will either react like.  WHAT!!!!????   How is that a good time?  Or see that those peeps in the video in pain etc are having one of the best days of their lives.       Of course no one wants to get hurt.     Honestly many of the open water swim starts that you see make it look scarier than it actually is.    Yes you get hit, yes you find yourself swimming over someone  or being swum over.   Yes you get kicked.   But after you do a few  you learn how to swim "defensively"   to protect your head with your arms.   

   I have been in a couple of sprints where people get in the water every 30 seconds consecutively.  So its not a group start. 

I do understand the nervousness  I really do.   It just is not going to get better until you HAVE done a few of them.   

trei - 2012-01-12 12:33 PM Thanks will check it out.  I'm finding it very laborious to breathe on the right side.  At first I'm really out of breath and can only make about 4 lengths of the pool before I need to stop and catch my breath, but then toward the end of the hour during the last 15 minutes I seem to get into a rhythm, so hopefully I can begin to get that feeling sooner.  On Monday morning I thought it had something to do with running 13 miles on Sunday ( or maybe it was that large pizza for supper ), but it happened again on Wednesday morning.

Nice run Todd!  As long as you weren't running WHILE eating that large pizza!      Though Dean Karnazes  does that!  he orders a pizza during his ultra runs  and then folds it up and eats it, while running.   amazing.

just keep working on the right side.  It will get better and more natural.    Its already "progress" is it not? 

Pete

Myself  I just use the regular Gu  etc.    I also make sure to eat low glycemic foods  that release their energy slowly.  (such as steel cut oats)    Really  ALL endurance athletes (diabetic or not)  need to think like this.

   Many of my Type 1 buddies  use  this lower glycemic   GU substitute during  events.  

I don't know why but BT will not take this link.   So   search "chocolate #9 energy gel"

Chocolate #9 is different because it:  (from their website)

• is sweetened only with organic agave.
• contains no refined sugar or other HIGH glycemic index sweeteners.
• has been – tested and certified – as a “LOW” glycemic index (GI) item.
• Chocolate #9 LOW GI gel reduces the negative effect of repetitive insulin “spiking” during sustained exercise.
• won’t cause a sugar high or a sugar low – bonk.
• is an excellent energy choice for endurance athletes.
• is suitable for most diabetics – and used by Team Type 1.
• is an excellent choice for those not wanting to eat refined sugar.
• is vegan, low fat and gluten free.
• contains no synthetics – no unpleasant aftertastes – tastes great.
• contains no “mystery” ingredients, colorings, or preservatives.
• is easy on the stomach.
• best of all — Chocolate #9 tastes great.

I'm told its YUMMO!  (but I have not tried it)       Again they do not sponsor me.   But I am for sale!   (have to keep tossing that in there)

I normally get foot cramps while swimming when my calfs are super tight. When I'm diligent about stretching and work on my calfs, the cramps go away. So, the cramps motivate me to stretch!

Enjoying catching up on all the posts from yesterday and today.  This is an active group and I love how much everyone has to offer and share!  It's interesting how we're coming from such a variety of places.  But we're all learning and committed and that's cool. 

Those of you struggling with the run...just keep planning your work and working your plan.  Believe me, if I can become a runner, then ANYONE can become a runner.  I really remember when I was at the point that I counted the minutes I ran vs. the minutes I walked.  Now, well, a 5K is about the minimum I'll do.  Not worth lacing up my shoes if I don't run 3 miles.  I've come a long way.  As a kid and in my 20s, I was about as non-athletic as you could get.  Now, I'm a runner and I love it!  So, keep planning it...keep working it...you'll get there!  And you might even discover that you like it!

On the flip side...pun intended...that's where I am with swimming.  At the BEGINNING.  But, just since Dec. 30 when I joined this group, I've experienced a change and it's b/c of this group.  I've DECIDED that I'm going to do it.  So, I've DECIDED that I'm going to race this year and I'm NOT going to panic.  So, I'm going to keep practicing and practicing and practicing...and on race day I'll be nervous.  And, hopefully, I'll stay with my decision that I'm going to race and NOT panic.

Once I figure out the swim thing, then I have to start thinking about why I bike so slowly.  But...that's the next mountain to climb! 

I've known for a while that running is a head game more than anything else.  I think all of this is.  You all are doing GREAT!  Keep up the good work!

Jacki

Tom

I have ordered lots of shoes and things from them. Great customer service and prices. I joined the vip club for the two bucks and am always getting emails with deals and such. I highly recommend them.

Shelly

Quincy or Dave,

I was trying to work out 6 days a week.  Is this too much, or just right since I'm starting out.  I'm very comfortable on the bike and doing an hour is fine.  I'm working on 30 minutes running.  But boy do my thighs ache an hour after working out.  The "pain" as begun to lessen each day and by morning I'm thinking I can do it again come afternoon.  But I am thinking about taking today off just for recovery.  FYI,  Mondays are an automatic recovery day because I work 12 hours plus commute.

So I'm thinking maybe only 30 minutes on the bike this afternoon.

Thanks for all the great info that everyone is providing.  I will be going to Road Runners Sports later today. 

Tom

I just found the Disney runs yesterday I thinking of the same.  I think there are team registrations if you are interested.

Anyone else thinking of going to Disney for their events? http://espnwwos.disney.go.com/sports/rundisney

Tom

Smart thinking. This is called listening to your body. It's also called periodization which is what every training plan in the universe is based on. The concept is: challenge body, rest body, body becomes stronger, repeat. Working out daily is fine, but not every day should be hard. Working out week after week is fine, but not every week should be hard. Peaks and valleys.

I like this attitude. Maybe we can come up with some specific strategies for your OWS stroke, sighting, and positioning to help you feel more in control. I know positive action helps me a lot. HMM, let me see what strategies we can come up with to go along with your kick new attitude...

Jacki -  Yes I do love your attitude.     One thing I disagree with.   do not sell yourself short.   Running is HARD!  that's one thing that I like about it.    The fact that its tough.     Yes if you put the work in,  most anyone CAN become a runner.    But most of the population will not do it.l    Many people will not run because they are not willing to deal with how hard it is.     or physically its not possible for them.   The same reasons why you made yourself into a runner, is why you will indeed conquer your swim demons and reach your goals.     Keep it up! 

Alright!!!!   what are the dates?      Sheesh I need to actually sign on the3 dotted line for mine.  I've only committed mentally. 

X2!!!    in time  you will have different gears on the run.    Right now it takes everything you have just to do it.  if you keep at it, you will create a 3 speed transmission  then a 4 speed, 5 speed, , you will be able to gear things up or down,  in training to give yourself relative easy training days.        One thing to ALWAYS remember (if possible  is to remember how hard you are working at it right now.      Why?  cause in time when you can run easy,  you will not remember just how hard you worked at it previous.  So that you can train at your capacity.   Cause it gets really easy to take "something off" and kinda coast through a workout.    Right now you have no choice but to work it really hard.     Yes for sure  recover, so you can get those thighs aching all over again!   (this is progress!)

First Midwest HAlf Mary is 06May

Batavia Sprint Tri is 10Jun

NAperville Sprint Tri is 05AUG

I just need something for July still....any suggestions?