kenj - motivated triathletes in training - CLOSED (Page 17)

I LIKE that!

-1?? where are you again?

I am about to have my LT Tested (Lactate Threshold) as well as my "Muscle Metabolism".  The goal of the tests are to determine, very percisely, when my body stops using "Fat" as fuel and switches over to use "Carbohydrates" as fuel.  We take these numbers to estabilsh our Heart Rate Zones and develop training programs to increase the amount of time we stay in the "Fat Burning Zone"

What I understand about this theory is that we want to train the body to use "Fat as Fuel"... this is why we train in "Zone 2"... keeping our heart rates down so that we can stay in this "Fat burning Zone" for as long as possible.  Once we switch over it is, aparently, impossible to switch back... and difficult to continue to consume the amount of carbs that the body will need to continue performance. 

If someone knows better, please jump in.  I am just sharing and this may or may not be 100% accurate. ~Carla

I have not, but for some it is a good idea.  I think one on one coaches like it as it gives them solid data as to where to set the training zones.  It is like any other data or tool, the value is not in having the data it is in knowing how to use it to improve. 

Carla, I would be interested to hear what you think of the testing process. 

I'm looking forward to next week, with my classes starting up again.  It has been nice logging on and finding out what everyone is doing to keep in shape.

As for me, I'm still on the girth-widening holiday plan.

I am looking forward to hearing about it as well.

This is my first time I’ve ever participated in a group like this.  I, kinda reluctantly, started logging my workouts mid month at Ken's suggestion.  I've logged workouts before, but I never really saw a great benefit.

What a motivation this group and the log on this site have been for me!  It’s been tough with the holidays, family visiting, and the baby, but the fear of having an empty box on my training log that a group of nearly anonymous strangers may or may not look at has gotten me off my butt several time.  Last night, I tried to turn it on in the last 1/2 of my run so I could report a good time this morning.  I took 18 seconds off my pace/mile from my run earlier in the week.

Anyway, thanks for the motivation and the accountability.

Isn't if funny how when you know someone might be checking your logs that you step up the pace?  Glad it is helping. One of my favorite parts of my day is logging in my workout.  I guess it is like the prize after the work is done. 

Yes. I took 3rd place in the Biggest Loser competition at my work in 2008. I had started lossing weight in Sept of 2007 (after my 2nd son was born) so I figured it would keep the ball rolling and it did. But you're right, the guy who won was a "sandbagger"

yeah!!!! Make sure to train safe though - being injured sucks!

I'm on that plan for a few more days - once kids are back in school I can get back into the groove of things and start seriously trying to lose those 15 pounds! I am going to enjoy these last few days though!

No, but if I could justify the cost I would definately jump on it!

Cyber peer pressure!  Powerful tool!

Nice work on improvong the run pace!!

We haven't gone that far yet, but I think it could be fun.  We do have a gym and a trainer that comes in 5 different times a week for fitness classes.  We also have an annual health fair, but I think something a little motivational would be fun.

For the record, a garbage plate from Nick Tahous could be lethal one at a time! 

5K tomorrow and a 7.5 mile race on Sunday, what a way to end and start the year!!

Anyone else racing or training this weekend?  Fortunately it looks like the cold weather Kirk talked about is leaving again for a couple of days.

I'm a little bit the pot calling the kettle black in this regard because I've been dogging it the last month or so of the year, but I hate to think of all the new year's resolutions in the gym next week.

I'll probably steer clear of it for a few weeks and just stay on the roads.

Scott, glad you've had a good career in journalism. After college, I worked as a sportswriter for several years in the mid-80s. But it was a tough way to make a living in high-cost Silicon Valley (eating is crucial!). I eventually became a technical writer...

Nice run, Russ -- way to go! When you run, just imagine all of us here watching you and cheering you on!

Kathy, I agree -- filling in the training logs each day really provides a concrete sense of accomplishment, doesn't it?  It's fun watching those colored bars in the graph go up-up-up as the week progresses!

Carla, based on what I've read, it sounds like you've got it right. An LT test sounds like a great idea. I've also been thinking about a VO2/Anaerobic test or LT test. I haven't been very consistent about wearing a HR monitor, but I know I should be. The HR figures I get seem a bit misleading. My HR is generally high for my age, but my breathing usually fits in with the description of the fat-burning zone. My understanding is that you want to integrate your HR with your LT to establish a clear, accurate idea of your various zones.