StephSprint... mentor group FULL! (Page 16)

Stretching is HIGHLY UNDER-RATED.  A warm up before, being sure to cover range of motion ( not just legs but shoulders too) is so important for both injury protection and enhancing your performance during the workout or race. 

Cool down and stretch speeds up recovery.  Less cramping, tight muscles, and fatigue.  It has also been shown that stretching after a workout like weight training (or running, swimming etc.) actually increases the amount of muscle strength gained by the workout. 

Hmmm I guess this is a hot topic with me since I deal so much with strength, injury, and recovery of muscle at work.  I will quit campaigning now!  LOL

I dont know if this will help, but when I was training for a marathon I used to get really bad calf cramps and someone suggested that it might have to do with my salt intake. Because I was sweating so much I was lossing alot of sodium and not replenishing it. They suggested to take some salt pills and this helped to get rid of the cramps.

I dont know if this will help, but when I was training for a marathon I used to get really bad calf cramps and someone suggested that it might have to do with my salt intake. Because I was sweating so much I was lossing alot of sodium and not replenishing it. They suggested to take some salt pills and this helped to get rid of the cramps. (SORRY I HIT ENTERE TWICE)

Definitely stretches and I also invested in a trigger point roller (I have the big one but there are all sizes) that helps simulate a deep muscle massage.  When my muscles are cramped (even when I don't consciously feel them) the knobs on the roller finds the cramps and works them out.  I will warn you that it hurts at the time but feels so much better afterwards.  Bananas are good, also make sure you are getting enough protien.  I am like you and don't (can't) eat first thing in the morning.  Race day I can generally choke down a piece of toast and peanut butter with 1/2 a banana before otherwise I just wait until after the run to eat those items.  Salt might also be the cause if you sweat alot.  I do know after a long run I crave pretzels so do look at your intake.  You will find it's different for each and every person.  We can give you the ideas but you will have to play with them to see what helps you.

Sorry to hear this   Sending you healing thoughts.

Yeah, I feel for you.  That's no fun to be nursing injuries.  Get well!!

Nice!  Good for you.  I can't wait to get outside too.  I've been training on a trainer that is set up in my bedroom.  Not due to weather or anything, just not much time to really get out and ride.  Hopefully in a couple of months.  

amd723...

I just read your race report on your training log.  Wow that does sound really cool.  I am looking forward to the memories that will come from all the events and training that come from this sport.  Being this is my first year, Im sure my memories of the events Im planning this year will be painfull.  But painfull memories are still memories.  I hear so many stories of runners who have their greatests thoughts while running...looking forward to those, right now the only thoughts I am having while running is do I have 911 programed into my cell phone  lol.

So far the only race I have committed myself to is a Sprint Triathlon in August.  It seems so overwhelming to be swimming 1/4 mile, biking 12.5 miles, and fininshing it off with a 3.3 mile run.  Not looking for a great time...just hoping to see it across the finish line.

There is a 5K/Run/Walk in April that I am thinking about entering just to get some more run time under my belt before the August Tri.  Also while I was on FaceBook I saw an add for a Indiana Spartan Race.  Looks interesting, but Im not sure if Im up to that being my first year and the athletic level I am in right now.  Plus it is close to the 5K run in April.  I dont want to over do it and ruin my main goal of my August race.

Well again thanks for the stories and the support. 

Thanks!  You should enter the April run/walk.  It will give you experience of the race environment and be a nice training run/walk.  Just remember to try not to get too caught up in all the energy and end up over doing it.  When I race I like to push myself to my limit of that day, so that by the end of the race I know I gave it my all.  I think everyone, regardless of fitness/experience, can do the same thing; you just have to know where the line is and make sure that while you toe it, you don't step over it.  

I've done 1 Spartan race and will do my 2d later this month.  The one I did (am doing) is 8 miles.  There were/are obstacles that consisted of things like swimming a couple hundred yards, climbing/being thrown over 10-12 foot walls, climbing cargo nets, scaling a wall sideways, crawling under barb wire in the mud etc.  If you can't complete an obstacle or in some cases if you mess up on the first try, you have to do 30 burpees.  I found this to be a challenging event - especially since last year it was in April and we had a 11 am wave, so the Florida heat and humidity were killer.  It was not for the feint of heart

If I read your earlier post correctly, the Spartan you are contemplating is a 5k, so  that means it will have fewer obstacles too.  I imagine, however, they will have the same burpee penalty.  So you may be able to run/walk the 5k, but you have to factor in the obstacles and the burpees.  Only you know if you are up to it.

Good luck with you training!  It always exciting to start something new. 

I met with a personal trainer this week to try to add some weight training to my current schedule. She put together a small program that I assured her I could do 2x a week.  The plan is to do one set the first week, two sets on week 2 and 3 and 3 sets on the 4th week and then meet with her again in 5-6 weeks to adjust the program.  We are working on my arms and shoulders for swimming, my legs for running/biking and some core work too.

Slow but sure I'm working out a little more at at time.   Only 4 more months to go till D day.

Patricia

Thats great...glad to see its working out for you.  I still dont have anything regular as far as training yet...just keep doing what feels right.  My D day is in August so I know the feeling.

I was just looking at Tri apparel at cafepress.com and saw a couple things I didn't quite get.

1. Please explain the cow bell.  and

2. Don't pass me, I'm not in your age group.

About the only t-shirt I feel is appropriate is "Triathlete in training" They do have a lot of cute stuff, I thought.

Patricia

I think the cowbell quotes have to do with the fact that lots of people supporting the athletes at Ironman event bring cowbells and ring them loudly to motivate the athletes.

The 2nd quote has to do with the fact that if you are in my age group, I've got a target on you to pass you so I move up in the rankings.  If you are not in my age group, then I don't care and I'm less motivated to pass you.  Make sense?

Enrique

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!

Been a busy week (unfortunately non run related) and have barely been home long enough to eat much less see my computer.  Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and gets some good activities in.  Hang in there, it always gets better.