Jac's Group - The water is warm, join us! (Page 15)

Morning all!!  I felt really good today running-I think I'm back in my groove.  I must have been in some kind of funk, but I rode 20 miles last night and then got up this morning and walk/ran for 2.5 miles.  Since I haven't been running in over 2 weeks, thought I would take it easy this morning and I strained my hamstring in my left leg last night, so I wasn't sure how it would hold up, but I did great and I feel really good, too!

This is going to sound ridiculous, but I just learned what a "brick" is.  Had no idea what people were referring to when saying that, but I subscribed to another triathlon newsletter and they had commonly used terms listed, so I now know what a brick is and I'm planning on adding some of those to my workouts, soon.

When summer officially arrives I'm going to workout in the am and then swim in the evening.  Won't technically be a brick but I'm also going to try and ride then run during those morning workouts. 

I'm 5'5"...can you see me trying to run with 3 Dobermans??  They would be the ones pulling me!!  I hope I can start running with my youngest Dobie.  He seems to have the most energy.  Our oldest Dobie will be 9 this year, so he would rather hang out on the couch instead of running on the hard pavement and our middle Dobie hates being on a leash, so she would be like the Tazmanian devil trying to get off of it. 

It's the middle of the week-two more days until the weekend...WE can do it!!!  Have a great day!

Sounds like you're doing great staying on track! I never heard of a snoodle? I know chorkies are cuuuute! I WISH I had a dog to run with....would love the company. We'll probably get one (or two) next year when my kids are a little more responsible and old enough to take care of them. That WOULD be badass to see! LOL!....I'm sure people in my neighborhood would clear a path for me if they saw me coming down the road:-)

Have a great day! enjoy the spring weather.

Awesome report! glad to hear your back in your groove. BTW, not ridiculous....I don't really know what a brick is either! I had to look it up..I'm not even sure when I should start doing them, probably now? I have done biking and then jumped into the pool immediately after but am I suppose to be simulating the race sequence? I'm following the free training plan from this site but I've modified it so much to fit my schedule that I don't really know how to fit in the bricks. Have a great day!

I found this tidbit of info on a new website that I joined; . An individual stated he was having difficulty with the transitions and running out of steam on the biking portion.  Here is a part of the answer:

"The first reason could be that you don't train as a triathlete. Remember that the sport is one event, made up of three disciplines, not three sports bolted together. The issue you describe is very common with single discipline athletes transitioning to triathlon, especially runners and cyclists. They find that they cannot access all of their potential in their specialist discipline.

Do you do any 'brick' (swim to bike or bike to run) sessions in your training? If not then I would begin to include these in your programme."

Thought it might be helpful...it's a good website, too.

Are you following any training plans?  If so they have a taper built into them, depending on distance is the amount of taper.  For a sprint you would only need 1 week - 1.5 tops for your first race.  

Yes you need to borrow that bike for the remaining weeks and ride that sucker!  Same thing start off slow and keep building, say 1st week of May go ride 8 to 10 miles and park it and run 1/2 mile and than do it again in the same week.  Start adding time to the run.  Keep increaseing.  It isn't a really super big deal for us newbies - we are completeing not competeing.  But it is really good to know what your getting into.

Good advice for transition - don't slow down to drink, or eat.  Do that on your bike.  Get riding as soon as possible!  Than feel free to enjoy the ride, have a big drink of water, have a snack taped to your handlebars.  As long as you are moving forward your doing great!  If your hanging out in the transition area, drinking, eating, talking your wasting rode time.

have a great Thursday

Road time - lol.

Grest Thursday morning - biked great and ran well.  Getting excited for long ride Saturday morning.

I"M GONNA DO IT THIS TIME FOR SURE!

I had a great swim this morning, only did 50 laps, but I swam hard for the last 10 and really felt the burn in my arms.  I figured out that the pool is 25 yards long and I count each length as a lap, so today I swam 1250 yards or 1143 meters.  I think I may have been doing my math wrong...damn conversions.  I'm going to go back and look at my training logs.

Anyway, great start to the day.  I made a new friend who is an advanced bike rider and he's going to help me design a bike to fit within my budget and then he and I are going to start riding together.  He's going to help me with etiquette and overall technique.  I'm looking forward to the challenge and he seems to know what he's talking about.  He sent me some pics of 4 bikes that he's built and rides and they look awesome.  I'm excited!

It's Thursday, ya'll!!  One more day until the glorious weekend!  Have a great day and keep up the good work! Paperboy, I'm rooting for you to complete your long ride this weekend!! 

Thank you both for the information!!!!! yes Bill, I'm following one of the free plans balanced with swim, bike and run twice a week. But I've modified it a little to include more runs since that is my weak area. I'll put in the taper the week before my race.....I would just reduce the amount of time and distance right?

I'm sure I'm gonna have many more questions as the race gets closer...like what to wear? lol! I have 1 pair of compression shorts. I'm SUCH A NEWBIE! I don't feel worthy enough to wear a triathlon suit yet:-) yea, I'm also wondering about the whole transition thing too...I read where people have a pan or small tub of water set up to rinse sand off their feet before getting shoes on for the bike. I don't have bike shoes so, that won't take much time from the bike to run.

ok, bike/run brick starts today!! Thanks again

Do you use a finger lap counter? I really need to get one because I always seem to forget what lap I'm on once I go beyond 800-1000 yards. The pool at 24hr fitness where I train is 25 yards too....it's so frustrating when I forget, so I just kinda guess where I think I was..LOL! My sprint race is only 400yards for the swim so I'm not too concerned....I usually warm up with that with no problem...it's just a matter of increasing my speed to make up time for my SLOW running:-) Great to have a friend who can mentor you on the bike! 

Happy thursday!

I don't use anything except my head.  I swim in sets of 10 or 20.  It probably slows me down to limit myself like that but it's easier for me to keep track.  I have been looking into getting something to count laps, but I hate to be bogged down with stuff in the pool.

I returned my swiMP3 player-it stopped working less than a month having it.  For $135 you would think it would have more endurance.  I cleaned it properly and didn't bang it around, but it just quit working and wouldn't load muisc or even recharge.  So, I sent it back.  It was great having music, I loved it, but I'll search for a different one, I think. 

Tomorrow is a bike day, I don't think I'll ride as far as I did this past Tues.  I think I'm going to try and complete 13 miles under 45 mins.  Reasonable, I think.

I want to start running outside but I'm not quite sure I'm ready.  Maybe by June I'll be ready...the beginning of summer; perfect. 

Happy Friday!  I so tired, work has been a bear and I really need a 10 hour nap.  I can do it!

No clue on what to wear, I just had my plain old swim suit for my past races, 90% people in wet suits and a few wierd -o's like me.  It really was not a big deal as everyone has other things on thier mind.  Each year I pick up something new - tri shirt, tri shorts,  this year a race belt.  For what I'm doing I really don't need much - It's my race!  Just make what you have work.

I also have a lap counter - love it.  

TRI - Have fun with your bricks - remember it doesn't have to be crazy intense!  This is fun!

Girl39 - get one of those dogs and just start slow - walk 5min run a few see have the animal responds - then next day take another dog.  Get outside and go for it.  So much better than a tread mill.  plus your pooch will love you lots and sleep like a log.

Have a super weekend all.   Keep up the great work - I think we all posted everyday this week.  Now this is a super mentor group!

PB

Friends, it is with great, great sadness that I have to post this message...due to external circumstances, I am not going to be able to continue my training for a sprint triathlon.  I am very upset and disappointed that I will not be able to continue, but there will be another time for me.  I am still going to stay with this group because I am very interested in the competitions you are participating in and if I can't join you, I can at least root for you!!!

So, don't count me out...

Happy Friday, everyone!  Keep up the good work!!

so sorry to hear this Seoulgirl39!! Yea, there will be another time for sure, I hope everything works out for you...it's taken me awhile to finally make this triathlon dream a reality. I am REALLY happy to read that you'll still be posting and offering support! Thanks so much, it really helps to have a super mentor group with you and paperboy!

Well....now I know why they are called bricks! I did a 6-7 mile bike ride and then went into my run yesterday....OMG! As I took my first couple of strides, I felt like I was wearing gravity boots!! As killer as this brick was for me, it was fun! I had a grin on my face even though I was sucking air and my legs felt like lead. I'm gonna definitely work more of these in because right now I can't imagine having to run 3 miles after my 10 mile bike ride for my sprint.

Hope you get a good nap pb! and have a great training weekend! 

Have a great weekend too Seoulgirl39! thanks for hanging in here with us for support:-) I really hope you're circumstances change to allow you to do the sprint training in the near future!

Congrats to you for doing your first brick!  Does it kind of bring everything together?  Make it seem more real and attainable??  It sounds awesome!!

Thanks for the well wishes and I'll keep reading and posting for as long as you guys can stand me!! 

Both of you have a great weekend!!

big bummer soulgirl.

Ya know evan if I don't have a race in my future - it is the training life style that appeals to me most.  Keep me eating better making good choices, keeps me healthy and feeling good about myself.  Your time will come, this is for fun - and if life gets in the way there will always be another race next week, month, year.  You rock and have worked hard, your a triathlete!  TRIATHLETE IN TRAINING!

Tri - yay brick - it totally get easier - and grin get bigger!  Keep it up you on your way.

55 miles saturday dumped the bike and ran 2 miles.   I was feeling it all Saturday afternoon into sunday.  In fact this morning was alittle slow to get started.

I only stopped 3 times, 2 to pee, lol 1 i crashed!  Out in the country all alone tire went off the road and I fell left off the bike.  Scraped the knee - got good and humble.  Other than that it was a hard hilly ride with stupid wind.  total blast - I'm kinda glad I fell as now I know it really isn't a big deal - chip on shoes came off fine, I mean unless I'm going down a hill at full speed I'm no longer wondering what it will be like.  Great training day.  Also learned about eating on bike.  Eat a energy bar and 10 min later I seen a difference in attitude, pick up and go, it really worked.  Next time I'll eat alitlle more offten and bring a second water bottle.

Long run tonight to fencing - oh ya, I swam this morning - 3 weeks since last swim - kinda sucked alittle but darn it, I did it. 

Happy Monday - thanks for posting it is keeping me motivated!

I agree with you! "the journey is the reward" my motto for this triathlon quest. I have to say, I'm liking the healthy lifestyle and I'm learning so much about the sport, the people and most importantly, myself :-) It's all good! 

wow! 55 miles... very inspiring to read your workouts PB! Hard hilly ride with wind and it was a blast?lol! you're a beast for sure:-) Great you got in the swim too...Keep it up, I can't wait to read your race report...Is your race in May?

I got up at 5am this past sunday and drove to the other side of the island to watch my first sprint triathlon. It was in Kailua, Oahu. I'm so glad I did....I learned so much watching everyone, especially the transitions. When I got there, it was whipping wind and rain for the ocean swim start. I kept thinking, man I'm glad I didn't sign up for this triathlon:-). The swim looked really tough for all of the athletes....it was only about 500m but with wind, rain and currents, thats tough. 

The elite athletes were SOOO fun to watch, they did everything so smoothly and gracefully like it was nothing....no one stumbled or struggled. I'm sure this sprint was just a training thing for them. Then there were the long time amateur middle age group of people who were also very inspiring to watch. Again, no one stumbled or bent over to catch a breath at any time. I was amazed at how well everyone did, even the older 50's and 60's group of people. They were all AWESOME! 

It was so inspiring to watch my first triathlon, but at the same time....I'm feeling very nervous and starting to kinda freak out on whether I will be able to do this. It has really given me a boost of motivation to train hard from here on out and just try to do the best I can come June 17th! 

well, thats my report for the weekend...hope you both have a great week! 

I plan on going to watch a couple of sprint triathlons this summer for the same reason you did, Tri.  I'm the kind of person that gains more knowlege from watching and then doing, instead of just reading about it.  Plus, I think it provides a great opportunity to see how individual athletes handle the transitions.  I try to keep in mind that they have been doing it for a lot longer, but still, it has to be cool to watch.

There is a sprint tri coming up in Idaho; end of May.  I think I'm going to try and get over to it and watch.  I think the energy surrounding these events must be intense, too. 

I'm going to change up my routine for a bit...swim everyday and maybe hit the gym 2-3 times a week in the mornings.  I'm also going to squeeze a full body workout back into my fitness program.  Can't hurt anything and with summer just around the corner, I don't want my arm flapping around like wings.  lol

Hope you have a great Monday!

PB-thanks for the words of encouragement and I don't plan on stopping...maybe just modifying.  I had a really hard time with my decision on Friday.  I was very emotional about it and found myself crying like a baby sometimes...felt a little ridiculous, but it just showed me how much this decision to compete really has effected my life.  I feel like I have lost a close friend, but I am not going to stop the lifestyle, just have to wait to compete.

55 miles?!?  Wow, you said you were going to go for a long ride and I guess you meant it.  Way to go!!  Sorry about the crash, though...but I kinda chuckled when you counted it as one of your "stops".  Glad you came out ok. 

Swimming and biking have been the easiest for me but I find myself getting the itch to run here and there.  I don't think I'm going to ignore that, either. 

Well, hope you had a great Monday and even though the week has just begun, I think it will be a good one!!

This gorup rocks!

Watching is just as fun, better because you can watch w/ a beer in your hand, lol.

I ran to fencing last night - 8.5 miles - 89min.  felt great and kinda broke through a barrier, when I felt  myself getting tired and returning to the old man schuffle - i just said to myself, you got this , calm your breathing, push alittle longer, KEEP THIS PACE.  Well it work, I ran a solid 10:30 mile and never slowed down evan during my few hills on this run.  The best part is I'm not wipped out at fencing class anymore.  I feel great, sure alittle sore or tired if I stand to much, but as long as I keep moving i good togo. -  So 3 weeks increase a 1/2 mile each long run.  Next week should be a recovery week, but darn it I want 10!  Ran 10 a few months ago and I was whipped and got dehydrated. So I really want to now how much I've improved.  We shall see that is 6 days away.

Have a super Tuesday

pb

LOL! no, I had a coffee in my hand, not beer...it was 6:15am:-)

Nice report on your running!! glad to hear you're feeling stronger...Keep it up!

I had a great ride yesterday...I think I went about 10 miles. I'm really getting the hang of switching gears BEFORE I approach an incline or hill....my brain is starting to kick in and I'm getting smoother with changing gears at the appropriate time. I"m a real newbie to biking so this has been a learning experience. My legs were strong and breathing fine, in fact when I finished and came home, I didn't feel like I worked hard enough..lol! I guess riding in the correct gear really helps I even got off my bike and trotted holding my bike handle for about a quarter mile...felt pretty good! I'm so stoked!

Short run today for me. Have a good one Seougirl and PB!

Yaay to both of you!!  It sounds like you guys are breaking into stronger times and feeling good at the same time; that has to motivate you even more. 

I swam last night; 85 laps and felt really good.  I was able to swim in 20 lap increments after doing two sets of 10.  I had a good rhythm and didn't feel out of breath after 10.  I could have swam more but my head was starting to hurt a bit, so I erred on the side of caution and called it good at 85.  I am going to try and hit 100 laps this week. 

It appears that everyone is having a great week so far!  Keep me posted!! 

BOOOya - good workout this morning, nothing crazy, legs finally recovered form long run, so papers went alittle quicker.  Son helped out :> - so I was in the pool at 5:50, swam 56 laps and I felt much better about this mornings swim compared to Monday.  I sooooo need togo 3 times a week.

Tuesday is my weight day, every Tuesday morning I use our WII fit, really just a expensive scale for me, but my wife does several excerise games.  Anyway 165 - yay  I normally  eat like crazy afterwords because why not I've got a hole week to lose.  Well I didn't, I was super good at work and feeling really  full of myself.  So in the afternoon I had a meeting in Detroit - 2 hour drive, by the time I get there I'm sooooo hungry, get in the meeting 2 cookies, 2 more cookies a sandwich, another sandwich and 2 cookies, leave the meeting w/ a SANDWICH AND 4 COOKIES - OMG - WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME. - lol lol lol I felt so sick on the ride home....lol  So me thinks better planning next time when my routine changes and bring a healthy snack.  Easy to say now, but wow what a melt down.  Oh Well - week is going good and work is busy so days are flying by.

What does everyone else do?  I'm sure you have mentioned it I just forgot. SO me paper boy by night and Cafeteria manger (big baby sitter) by day.

later all