Beth and Yanti's New Manatees - FULL! :-) (Page 16)

Happy Friday Beth, Yanti and all my fellow Manatees!

Beth, Yanti, thank you for all the swimming tips, they have helped tremendously. Up until now I have not really found a good training program for the swim that would fit the amount of time and effort that I want to put in at this point in my training. I am ok with the run and bike right now, but could you please suggest a swim plan, that includes drills that would help with balance and form. I really need to focus on this as well as kick. I am going to take everything very slow and do about an hour of pool work. The idea is to swim at least four days a week, and I am going to stick to this plan for the next four weeks. After that I would like to start a formal race plan. Thank you for all your help.

Joel

You're more than welcome Joel!

Actually there's a great plan right here on BT - here's a link to it (some good guidelines on how to approach training as well)

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=755

Here's a link to another site, it has some guidlines for  how to approach the workouts and a couple of sample workouts

http://www.active.com/swimming/Articles/Structure-Drills-into-a-Beginner_s-Training-Plan.htm

and last, but not least, here's a link to another site on which you can get free workouts -

http://www.swimplan.com/

I just registered on it myself and it looks pretty cool.  You enter in your skilly level, pool length, desired length of workout, so forth and it creates a plan for you - I'm going to use it for tomorrow's swim

Just as a note I wouldn't worry too much about the time in the water as much as the frequency.  4 times a week in the water is great - an hour each time may honestly be too much depending on what you are working on -

Keep us posted  

Hi Everyone!

It is quite interesting to see that many of us share the same struggles, questions  and concerns. It is great to read all the insight and views around here.

I would like to bring up another question (non-swimming related)  regarding music.

I am wondering what music you guys use (if at all) during your runs, trainer rides or spin classes. I am looking to set up a playlist, which will help me get through an hour of trainer ride at home (which I have not done in quite a long time).

I would like to understand if you compile your own play lists or buy an album.

Thank you and have a great weekend!

I make sure my computer is virus-protected to the hilt with AVG and then download music from Limewire. It downloads into a folder, from which I can actually just drag 'n' drop the files into an iTunes playlist.

I come up with one or two new playlists a week to use in Spinning(R) classes. I have a very wide variety of music (although it's clear I'm fond of '70s and '80s classic rock) ... everything from classical to techno to latest and greatest radio hits.

The music isn't all bang, though. Because I often want something steady for endurance work, then I pick easy, steady music. If we're doing intervals, there will be a mix of calming and exciting music. Sometimes I pick instrumental because it really helps focus on the workout and what I'm doing instead of just going along with the music.

Here's a really good thread in which a lot of people (including me) contributed playlists/favorite songs to use:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=143406&posts=16#M1887607

This is very useful! I'd had the link before, but it got swallowed ... while I don't match cadence ranges exactly to the music (everyone should do what they are comfortable doing in Spinning(R) anyway), it's helpful to know what the bpm is so it's in the ballpark.

Thank you!

BTW, you are duly invited to my Spinning(R) class. I don't know that you could ever make it--it's Thursdays at 5:15 in Venice--but you are more than welcome.

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a decent week! I want to thank you so much for the swim advice! I got out of work at a decent time and headed to the pool tonight to work on some of the  things that I read about on here. You are so right, there is so much to remember!! What I know about myself is that my kick is probably crazy! Hopefully the swim analysis in Feb. will help that. I thought about what Beth said about pretending that we are swimming in tube. That really stuck with me. I roll to my side to breathe, that's good- the tube thing though, awesome advice for me!! Thanks!! 

 Ronen, as for music- music is such a personal thing! I can guarantee that my music will not fit everyone's tastes and vise-versa. But, since you asked, I like alternative, hard rock ie: Disturbed, System of a Down, Nickelback, Godsmack, Puddle of Mudd, etc.. I too use a program that can sort the song by BPM's. Have I used it much? no not really. I use itunes to load my iPod and I have my playlists made and I just use the shuffle feature. 

BunnyB - 2009-01-09 7:33 PM When I called MILA to pay my deposit for the weekend, they asked if I had my own spin shoes or if I would need to rent a pair. When I've taken spin classes at 24 Hour Fitness, I've always just worn my running shoes because the bikes have cages. I'm guess the fact that they ask means some bikes have clips and require a cleated shoe? Would I need cleated shoes for the bikes in your class? All these new things to learn! I like learning!

For my class, running shoes are fine. All our bikes have cages and straps. However, if you tell me your size, I can probably cough up a nice pair of cleated shoes you can borrow, if you like.

I am very excited that you might be able to come! It's a very warm group and they're used to my, uh, quirkiness

Curious, too, how much would MILA charge you to rent shoes?

I'm sort of boring when it comes to music - my tastes are very eclectic, but I prefer to listen to one artist at a time, at least when I run

not sure why that is -

oddly enough, when I run, I do much better if it's a little laid back, I think it's because I find it relaxing

some of my best runs have been to

• Goo Goo Dolls
• Five For Fighting
• Snow Patrol
• Switchfoot
• Matchbox Twenty
• Jack Johnson
• Creed
• CAKE
• Elvis Costello
• Red Hot Chilli Peppers

My kids got me a really great Foo Fighters CD for Christmas - it's live and sort of an acoustic/ballad version of their hits - sounds strange, but it really works

I don't listen to tunes when I'm cycling  -

I think I would if I had a trainer, for now though I'm on a bike - and for me I don't feel safe unless I'm riding naked

or I'm in a spinning class and I'm hoping there is a good mix

Sam!

So glad the swim posts have been helpful.  It is awesome that you could visualize and apply!

You will get so much out of your swim analysis

Hi guys,

 I really only listen to music when I run, I am usually listening to everything, but lately I have been listening to alot of christian groups like Third Day, some fav's are Revelation,Come together, 33Miles , one life to live, Shawn McDonald, Gravity,  Lifehouse,  Tobymac, Big Daddy Weave

 I usually make my own playlist so I will mix in some Black Eyed Peas, or Beyonce, Eminem & Nate Dogg, Ok Go, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Hoobastank etc...

 Have a great weekend!!!!!!

 Thanks TriAya

 I will track my heart rate closer and get some numbers posted

 Chad

^^^^^^^

x2! on that Sam!

Steve and Susan made it safe and sound to Florida and are both very excited about the Race - Let's all send lots of positive thoughts, especially around 10 - 10:30 ET as that is when they should be hitting around mile 20

Have a great race Steve and Susan!  We are thinking about you and can't wait to hear all about it!

Congrats John! It looks like it went well

Be sure to post a Race Report so we can read all about it

All the best for your tri tomorrow, John! Good plan for easy does it on the swim, and then blast away on the bike and run! Most of all--HAVE FUN!!!

Yippee! Go Steve and Susan! All the Manatees are cheering for you! You'll have a great race and loads of fun!

I love it!! Thanks for the wonderful quote. I just finished reading a very inspiration book about Jamling Norgay (Tenzing Norgay, his father was the first to reach Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary) and his own Everest summit under very difficult circumstances.

THANKS to everyone who's thinking about us...we found an internet cafe and your encouraging words will really help us tomorrow morning.  Ambulatory and upright at the finish line, here we come!!! 

Susan