Matt Gilmartin's Group- CLOSED~ we're swimming! (Page 17)

My Group Ride Report:

Our family participates in a fruit/vegetable co-op every other week. They ask that you volunteer before pick-up once every 6-8 weeks, so I figured it was about that time for me to volunteer. There was a group ride planned for 0800 at my local tri shop (where I work out and purchased most of my tri gear) and another one for 0830 from the local bike shop (where I bought my bike). 

Pick-up for the co-op used to be 0700, with volunteers arriving 1 hour prior to help sort and get everything ready, so I got there at a little before 0600. Jokes on me though, because the time had been changed to 0700 for volunteers and 0800 for pick-up. so I sat in an empty parking lot for an hour waiting. Eventually, a few minutes after 0700, the truck came and the main organizer arrived and we started sorting all the stuff. I knew we would not be finished until close to 0800, so I figured that I could just ride at the 0830 LBS group if I missed the tri shop ride. 

By the time I got to the tri shop, I was told that they left about 5 minutes prior to me pulling up. No worries - I jumped in my car and drove the 3 or so miles to the LBS to do their ride. I got there and went in and changed and came out just as everyone was heading out for the ride. I did not have a chance to tell anyone that this was only my second time to ever ride outside and that I am new to this whole cycling thing. 

Of course, I was dropped within the first 1/2 mile. Well, actually, it was sooner than that because I was at the BOP when we pulled out on to the road and I missed the first stop light (everyone else made it with the exception of one kind gentleman that stayed back with me). They were able to get a good lead on us while we sat at that light and I never saw them again.

I rode with this man, who I later learned was Carlos, for a good while with him in front pointing out all the little hazards in front of us such as rocks and potholes and what-not. We finally came to a stoplight where he asked me if I had been riding with another group or if I just moved to the area. I told him that I was new and have only had my bike for a few months. He took that to mean that my bike was an upgrade to something I had previously. I explained to him that this was really my FIRST bike and that I was REALLY new. 

We were about to take off at the light when I looked back and noticed that my rear wheel looked low. I reached back and it was completely FLAT. I knew something started feeling different when we hit the chipseal portion of the road, but I just chalked it up to the road and how rough it was. I guess I rode a good 2 miles on that flat!

We were able to pull into a restaurant parking area to change the tire. Carlos asked me if I had any equipment, to which I responded that I did. I started pulling the CO2 cartridges out of my bag, along with the tube and tire levers (I think that's what they are called). He asked me how many flats I had ever changed to which I replied "NONE"! Fortunately, he's been biking for over 30 years and was able to help me.

He took the wheel off the bike and tried to take the tire off, however, it would not come off. We fought with that thing for over 30 minutes, to include me slicing my knuckle open and bleeding all over my clothes. He tried his tools, my tools and then asked me if I had someone that I could call to come pick me up. I called my husband and he said that as soon as the kids were done eating breakfast they would be on their way. I continued trying to get the tire off while Carlos was calling his wife (who was in the main pack) to let her know that he was in the parking lot with me working on the tire. 

Finally, after a good while, Carlos was able to get the tire off and we were able to change the tube. He then asked me to get my CO2 cartridge so we could fill it up. My little "adapter" part that screws onto the cartridge does not have a trigger so I guess you don't actually screw it on until you have it attached to the bike. Well, there I go screwing it on when it goes completely crazy and starts expelling the air all into my hands - that was freakin' COLD! We pulled out another cartridge and he hooked it to his adapter that has a trigger and was able to air up the tire. 

I felt silly just waiting around for my husband to come pick me up now that my tire was good, so I called him to meet me at the shop (since he was already on his way). Carlos was meeting his wife at the local Starbucks, so he pointed me in the direction of the shop and off I went by myself. 

I made it back to the shop and my husband was there. I brought my bike in to have it checked over and they gave both my husband and I a "how to change your tire 101 class" (which they should have probably done when we first bought the bikes). 

I was getting ready to leave the shop when a group of riders pulled into the parking lot. I knew they weren't the ones I went out with since they were all back. I was then told that they were the newbie group! HELLO!!! I should have been in THAT group! oh well...

The LBS owner came up and put his arm around me and told me not to get discouraged. I told him that a flat was bound to happen sooner or later and at least it happened with someone that knew what they were doing. He encouraged me to meet with the group again next Saturday and not to give up. 

It wasn't until I got home that I really got discouraged. I have been doing a lot of Spinervals videos and working with my cycling coach each week and really was disappointed when I got dropped so soon! Once my time loaded from my Garmin, it was really an eye opener of how slow I really am! My average was 13.6mph. Aarrggghhh! I am going to be LAST at my triathlon next month and I'm supposed to be representing the base and the military?!?! I guess the good thing is that our kits won't be in and no one will know that I'm on the base team!

So now I'm headed out for a run - at least I don't have to worry about getting a flat!

First, sorry Matt for your loss. I had two grandparents die in the last 2 months of 2011.

MMez, just laugh it off and chalk it up to expirence. Street riding is a different animal all together with traffic, lights, potholes, etc. Just gotta get the time in. How did you feel fitness wise? I promise you wont be dead last at your tri. And now you know how to change a flat to boot!

Just checking in to say hi to everyone. Though I've been MIA on the list, I've enjoyed keeping up with the messages---a nice reprieve from the ongoing crisis with my dad.  While he continues to improve, the long-term consequences of his brain injury are significant and it has been a consuming experience. Work has also been relentless and I'm trying to avoid the paralyzing effects of "compassion fatigue".  Any of the seasoned nurses in our group have some advice for this rookie (nursing is a recent career change for me)? 

Matt--I am so sorry for the loss of your grandfather.  Grandparents are special people and I hope that warm memories of him will bring comfort to you and your family.  2012 is off to a shaky start, isn't it?

Mariah---I really enjoyed reading about your bike ride yesterday---definitely not too long---thanks for sharing!

Like GatorRunner, my calendar holds upcoming running races before the tri season begins (half marathon in March and 10K in April).  Consequently, while I'm still going to attempt to train in all sports, running will be my primary focus for the next two months.  Today kicks off a "flakes to flowers" half marathon training program that I joined with the Montgomery County Road Runners club.  This is a leap of faith for me because a) I'm usually a solitary runner that loves to get lost in music when I run and b) I'm used to using a Galloway walk/run routine for my long runs.  My pace group will be meeting at 7:45 this morning and I believe the distance for our inaugural long run is going to be six miles.  I'll be sure to report back on how it goes.  I think this is going to be an important step if I want to shave time off my half-marathon and marathon PRs.  Speaking of marathons---I have Feb 1 highlighted on my calendar---it's the day that the Chicago marathon opens for registration.  I'm torn between doing Chicago or USMC this year---I'm going to turn it over to the universe to see what happens.  If Chicago closes before I can get a slot, I'll take that as a sign that I should do Marine Corps instead.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend.  We have our first snow/ice on the ground here in DC.  Kinda wishing I had bought some Trax before today's run. 

--Robin

welcome back Robin. Matt, sorry for your loss   all our grandparents have passed away and it is a sad feeling.

Got a loaner bike from a cycling friend. It is GREEK to me! the gears switch by pressing in on the brakes to go up and a little button to go down. and there is NO tread on the tires. Oh, and it hauls ! I have bitten off a monster of a bite! You all should be hearing some interesting stories from me in the coming week

This will be one of those great stories you will tell years from now

Well I think its official - my wife is going to have me committed. I just received my 2 new pairs of Mizuno running shoes (Wave 14) in the mail, tried them on and ordered 2 more pair. They were half price so how could I go wrong. Besides, now I have a goal to wear out all 4 in a year! She just shook her head and walked away muttering something.

The bad news is the indoor pool now has an "issue with the filter" and opening has been delayed indefinitely. Looks like I'll be doing a lot of lat pulls and chest flies until the ice is off the lake. Or drive 120 miles to use a pool.

I hope everyone's training is going well.

Steve

Nice to see a man so excited about shoes I might have to check that brand out.

Hey All- thanks so much for the well-wishes.  We buried him today, and I'm certain he has been reuinted with my Grandma

You guys are seriously awesome- I hope we can continue on as a group all year.  The BT mentor program runs quarterly, this session will expire on March 31.  I see the optimism and commitment, so I'm willing to stick with everyone thus far

One more note too- I was picked to be a Brand Ambassador for the Denver Triathlon again this year.  Last year was the inaugural, and I was a B.A. last year as well.  It's seriously a fantastic race with great energy and a ton of participants.  If you are interested (I know at least 2 of us are in the area) you should look into it.  It's a great destination race, as well for you out-of-towners.  Denver is a great place and the race really showcases some cool parts of town.

I'm attaching a link (and I'll try to make this the last shameless promotion for it here):

http://www.denvertriathlon.com/

Hey everyone! Sorry I haven't posted much-but I assure you I'm on here nearly every night reading the info and entering on my training log.  I'm on a huge time constraint so I read and sooooaaaakkk it in but just don't have much time to post.

First of all----EVERYBODY keep posting everything that happens with your bikes and training-because I haven't even bought mine yet, and I know I need to be prepared!!!! I live out in the country and have already started mapping out some of my bike rides, and have kept the "changing a tire" situation in the back of my head.  However---I don't have anyone to call that's close if I do need help--yikes! Might change my training course altogether!!

Robin- I'm a RN working in a very stressful "end of life" area.  Your very words of "paralyzing effects of compassion fatigue " just translates that you are an incredible nurse who has the chance to be an angel to every single patient you come across.  Nurses bless, and nurses are blessed by God.  Never stop being compassionate, and when you leave work, you must LEAVE WORK.  Go train!

As far as my trianing, it's going good so far (per my standards lol).  I'm developing a baseline in my first 4 weeks.  I'm trying to train 6 days a week, but I only have one hour a day for five of those days, so I'm getting my baseline (first 4 weeks) then gonna have to start bustin' it to get 'er done in a ONE hour workout. ! I fully intend to do this injury free and enjoy my training! I mean, I'm only trying to COMPLETE (ahem/cough/compete?!%@)  a sprint triathlon. . . LOLOLOL

Yeah, so I missed swim yesterday because my little man was sick, and today didnt' get to train at the gym because my babysitter closed and I have no backup.  It's OK, I know how to IMPROVISE (at home). Not gonna panic yet, it's only beginning of week 4 for me. . . 

Anyway-I won't post much, but I am definetly watching, keep the info coming I NEED IT.

I'm in for the Denver Tri - I'm looking forward to it as much as Ironman Boulder.

For what its worth: I have relatives in Denver and I've gone there a ton of times over the years. It really is an easy town to get around in and there are lots of non-tri activities for family. I ran in the Rock-n-Roll Marathon this fall and the city was great - law enforcement stopping traffic for single runners crossing the busy streets and the roads that were shared had a really wide lane for the runners. I was really impressed with the whole experience.

As Brand Ambassador there should be extra swag for BT members, right? Especially those in the mentor group

WOW! I did a shortened version of the interval bike/run training on pg 19 of our discussion board. Well, first I did an hour of yoga, cause i thought "i need to warm up, right?". Then a friend talked me into doing bi's and tri's with her. After having a greek yogurt, I hit the bike (i did it indoors today so i could monitor my time easier and just to see how i would fare). 20 min warm up on the bike followed by a 10 min run (1mi), 10 min bike, 10 min run (another mile) 10 min bike, 5 min run (.54 mi), 10 min bike, 5 min run (.46 mi). I had 3 more intervals left when my body was like "mmmm, nope, got nothin' left sister. you're done!" It was a great train though and very glad it got posted on here! I will be doing it weekly!

I bought a pair of Canari bib shorts off The C lymb the other day and finally got them.  When I tried them on they came down to about 2" from my knees.  My other non-bib shorts are a bit higher off the knee - I think they're 9" inseams.  I'll probably keep these since they were cheap and I think if I got the size small the leg grippers might cut off circulation to the rest of my legs.  Anyone else have Canari shorts?  How is the fit? 

And now a totally unrelated comment - I did core work on Saturday and my abs still feel sore today.  It's been a while since I've done that level of work on that area, but I didn't expect to still be feeling it.  I guess I have more work to do there. 

Question of ignorance here - what is the difference between bike shorts and tri-shorts? Are they interchangable? Why? Why not?

Tri shorts have a much smaller chamois than bike shorts, making them wearable for the entire race.  If you wore bike shorts during the swim they would take on a lot of water.  And if you wore them for the run, well, would you like running wearing a diaper? 

I have some Canary bike shorts and they are a good fit. The leg grippers are a snug fit so even tho waist is a little loose I wouldnt go down a size for the leg issue either.

I ended up with some tri shorts by accident, I ordered what I thought were some bike shorts and when I got them I noticed it was a thin chamios and went WOOT! tri shorts. Just need a tri top of some sort and Iam set.

I flew into Denver in Oct. of last year going to Wyo. for my grandfathers funeral. I can remember taking a few vacations when I was a kid to Estes Park. We lived in Wyo at the time. Would love to travel up there for a tri but not in the budget this year.

Keep up the good work all!! Iam slackin from time to time, but just because I decided to do this doesnt mean I have cured my laziness.

Funny story- my avatar was my first-ever triathlon in 2007.  I wore bike shorts in the pool and put on that bike jersey in T1.  T1 took me about 7 minutes LOL- and the run sucked because bike shorts are not made to be run in.  Someone said it's like running with a diaper- that's a perfect analogy.

Definitely do yourself a favor- start out with bike shorts for training.  The thicker chamois will keep your crotch from getting sore.  Tri shorts are awesome for race days, but long training requires different equipment.  Bibs are more comfortable, but regular shorts cost a lot less.  My favorite is Pearl Izumi for bike shorts, and I'm partial to Zoot for my tri clothes.

I agree with Matt - for training stick with the bike shorts. I started training last summer with my one and only pair of tri shorts. I figured suffering was just part of it. After about a month or so I was in the LBS and mentioned the soreness isn't as bad as it was when I started. That's when they pointed out to me the difference in bike shorts v. tri shorts. I bought a pair of bike shorts and my next training ride was like peddling in a recliner!