MightyMojoMentorGroup -- (Full House!) (Page 180)

Thanks for the comments and advice.  I'm looking forward to getting a race belt.

I'll work on the swimming to develope that slow motion idea.

Perhaps I got the water temp wrong (by my cheapy floating thermometer) but they didn't allow wetsuits so it must've been even warmer than I thought.  For IMC the weather has cooled somewhat and our overnight temps are 5degC so there should be no problem with the wetsuits.

When I said I channeled my inner "Anne" I was remembering how she had said she picks people ahead of her and then passes them.  I thought it might be a good way to get myself running a bit faster - a bit more aggressively. 

I was amazed at what some people brought with them into the transition area.  Some people could barely carry it all in huge duffle bags and even a wheeled cart.  I thought I did pretty good at keeping my gear to a minimum but I will futz over it and see what improvements I can make.

I'm a little concerned that I may be less prepared for my Summerland Sprint than I was for the Apple due to IMC volunteering.  I'm sure I'll still be okay.  The swim may be harder (more open in the lake) and the bike a bit slower (no appreciable downhills) and the run I hope to be the same or better.

Any opinions on Tri-tops?  Whats good or not so good?

GEORGE -

I was thinking about the Monday-after as well.  Normally it would be this year's participnats in one line, volunteers in another......and a scant 127 spots left over for on-line registrants.  But unless the issue gets settled firmly by then, I would guess more spots for IMC would be left vacant than are gobbled-up on site --- or on-line.

It will also be intersting to see who is there to serve as a registration "desk".  Will it be the usual IMC/WTC folks, or will Challenge put in an appearance.  i'm guessing NOT the latter, as there is no need to fill it right away --- unless next year will feature BOTH events there.  Yikes!  Well, keep your ear to the ground for the latest and breakingest news!

I have used DeSoto tri tops for many, mnay year, I guess exclusively since '01.  I flirted briefly with a defunct brand, RnH (Run 'n' Hammer) for part of '01, then returned to DeSoto.  In general, i like mine slightly on the side of not skintight.......but for non-wetsuit swims, skintight is best due to less drag.  DeSoto even has a top especially designed for non-wetsuit swims, although i haven't tried it.  The name has "78" in it, referring to that cutoff temp for wetsuit legality.  their website is www.desotosport.com, if you're interested.

Pockets are important for me in a top.  DS used to have two, one on each side, but in the past few years has switched to three in back -- kind of like cycling tops.  But unlike a cycling top, the DS pockets are very "elasticky" and stay close to the body, thus minimizing drag.  I like them better there than on the sides, although it took me a while to adjust to them.

I can be fussy about material, and prefer ones than are sleek and slinky -- almost like satin?  DS has most like that, which is good -- better than their "Skin Cooler" material, which tends towards more rough than I like (poor baby's skin!).  Most tri tops form most other companies have the slinkier material.

All of this, of course, involves some trial-and-error, unless you get lucky first time around.  It's not rocket-science, though, and if you hit the IMC expo you should be able to find a few that work.  If IMC has the same depressingly-small expo as U.S.-based WTC events have, then you might be restricted to Tyr and 2XU and Zoot --- but all three carry good stuff.  Try a few on, make sure they feel good (and maybe look good!)..........and go with your best instincts.

Other thoughts would be: 

--a zipper is critical to me, and half-length is preferable (for me);

--must cover belly (that's my narcissistic weak-spot); -

--arm holes such that chafing doesn't occur while I swim or run, which will be some combination of not too high and not too low, not too big and not too small (this might involve a whole other level of trial-and-error for you);

--get the shoulders with the desired width, which for me means "full" (see my photo for what I mean), as opposed to skinny singlet-style. 

Finally, view pre-Summerside training as a few crisp workouts to get you feeling frisky again.  Keep everything within the parameters of the race's distances; no need for ANYTHING over-long in the days leading up to it.  Easy-peasy!

TRINA -

GREAT news on the coach!!!!!  I know you've had issues with ex-coach for a long time, and i'm very pleased for you that you find someone you seem to mesh with (and who "agrees" with me about the run volume!)  What might be beautiful about this is that she can affect some immediate changes that will catapult you right into Redman, as both of oyu will be newly-inspired.  Think of her as divine intervention!

FWIW, it's not uncommon for athletes to switch coaches when a big event is coming up, and it's mostly viewed as better late than never.  I meran, when things aren't clicking or even seeming right, any time is the right time, right?  So, here's to you, and here's to her, and may the two of you ride the crest of the Redman-bound wave!

(Is she doing it, too?)

(And is she local?)

(Like, will she actually meet with you and watch you in movement?)

(None of those are critical -- my superb former coach lived in Ohio!! -- but just nice if possible.)

TRINA again -

Enjoy HnH -- even with that many cyclists; YIKES!  It'll be great training for Redman, covering the distance, and the need for nutritional strategies, and possible heat concerns on race-day.  Win-win-win!

Still feeling good about the FOB speech, which was a blend of humor and heartfelt --- and not at all conventional.  It amazed me that I handled it so well, being in a room with about 175 people, most of whom I had never met before the wedding (the groom's parents went overboard on the invites).  I was actually very calm and composed (after the first 30 seconds or so).......and I'm ready for my next one ('cept I only have one daughter....)

JEFF - 

How are ya?  It's been a while!

I have to get all fussy and worried when a racefiend such as yourself bags a race that they know (nice advice to Trina) and (dare I say?) love.  I hope you're well, or mostly so, and that all of your yard cleanup is completed. 

Getting psyched for Redman yet..........or is your training continuing to take hits?

GEORGE -

I spent a few moments today playing around with the slow-mo optimal-breathing thing, and here's a few thoughts:

• It's really just meant to last a few seconds, like maybe 15 of them -- enough to slow down your effort ANd grab some valuable air.
• As you work on it, think of your arm in front while you're breathing (for meas a right-side breather, it's my left out front) as a stabilizing device -- it's what'll help keep you stable.
• The body roll is about 30 degrees more than normal, enough to give your face full clearance so as to maximize the inhalation.
• Three strokes ought to bring you back to a more grounded sensation.
• Don't think about this being an oddly detrimental thing for you; I have it happen to me about once a season (maybe twice last season).  And I practice just as I have preached --- and it works!!

ANNE -

See my PM?  On rereading your logs, i'm relieved that you're optimistic, that it's all coming around.  Whew!!

My decision to stay home and do a local 5k paid off with an age group win and 5k PR 22:44. Race Report.

The weather, I guess some sort of hurricane Issac spin off kept the temps cool, upper 80's overcast with a drop or two during the run, and a nice steady soaking rain while I stood around for the awards as the announcer made is way through the single digit age groups, teenagers, young adults and eventually middle age and up. By then those of us that stuck around for it were soaked and most people had fled the venue. Hard to complain about a sustained rain during a drought though.

A couple of us were interviewed by a cameraman with a local TV station, it will be interesting to see if it gets used.

Trina is likely facing some interesting conditions in Wichita Falls, at least it isn't as hot as it could have been, but the 19 mph winds with gusts  to 32 that the weather channel site reports with scattered showers might be dampening her mood. Poor conditions for a rally but good conditions for a road race if you have any thoughts of a break away.

GANG -

Finished my first century ride today! 6:36:46 (not including rest stops). JEFFTX is correct - did face some interesting weather. Really nice until mile 70 when the clouds parted and it became hot really fast. Also winds gusting up to 35mph made for an interesting last 20 miles headwind. Apparently they pulled people off the road if they didn't pass the 85 mile mark before 3pm due to the amount of people requiring medical care. 

Highlight of the ride was going through Sheppard AFB and having all the cadets lined-up along the side of the road cheering and high-fiving all the riders as we rode through. A memory I will never forget 

STEVE - Glad to hear I didn't pull a huge boner on changing coaches right before my "A" event. It had just reached a point of lunacy with my old coach, and one of the things that always motivates me during a race is the saying "Trust your training." Well, I wouldn't have been able to say that during Redman as even me, a veritable beginner, knew that my running volume wasn't even near where it should be.

I don't know if she's doing Redman. I'm supposed to call her for our initial in-depth talk tomorrow on my way home from Wichita Falls. Our communication has been via email so far. But hey! Miracle of miracles - I actually received a text message from my (new) coach last night before a big ride....advising me on pace, nutrition, etc. So refreshing and I'm very happy.

She isn't local - she lives in Dallas. Which isn't so bad - I'm always traveling to Dallas for either races or business so I shouldn't have any problem hooking up with her if need be. And yes, she will definitely meet up with me and watch me in movement. I'm very optimistic  She reviewed my logs here on BT and said that I was "focused, motivated, and a hard worker." It's nice to be appreciated. 

I carried with me all of the nutrition for the first 60 miles and it worked-out well. However, I will say that my belly started growling at around mile 75 and wouldn't quit! After mile 75 until the end of the ride I ate two hotdogs, 2 cliff mojo bars, bananas, everything I could get my hands on and I was still hungry! What is UP WIT DAT? 

Now heading to eat at a cookout. I'm starving.

Century riding ......that's whats up

Great confidence boost on a great ride! On to a new coach and a another big race

Big podium! That's great! Did you get double medals?

Apparently. I just ate a hamburger and another hotdog.

Congrats on your podium win!

I Got (mis)quoted and my time is off but it is kind of cool to e quoted in a news story:

For what it's worth, I never considered an age group placing as a "podium finish" I sort of feel like that is reserved for the overall finishers. some of the races i do actually have a podium, but I was never invited to stand on it.

JEFF!

Doubly sweet -- a PR and an age group win!  You'd been gunning for those for a while, although in the grand scheme of things they happened quite quickly for you.  It's also impressive to score a short-distance PR when your training has been so long-distance focused; that's really not too easy to do.  Big kudos!!

Also sweet is seeing your name in print -- there's your 15 seconds of fame, right there!

I mostly agree with you on the podium perspective.  It sits well until there is an actual podium involved........and then being called up to it changes things a bit.  I've been on quite a few podiums in my time, although it's true that 75% of races don't have them --- even for the overall top three.  My best podium visit was last Sept at the Nickel City Triathlon Festival, where U.S. Olympian Hunter Kemper draped the medal on my neck, congratulated me on "two great days at 'the office' " -- all while I was on the middle and top of the podium.  That was very nifty, even for a too-old-to-be-dazzled 62-year-old (at the time......).

Congrats again, Jeff!

JEFF again -

You're right about a century being "what's up" when it comes to hunger.  I haven't done one in six years and fifty-one weeks, but i remember well those hunger pangs.  Ack!

TRINA -

Absolutely superb training for Redman -- hugely overdistance AND with winda dn heat to prep you for just about the worst.  The Redman bike ought to be almost a laugher after what you accomplished today.

Great time, too, especially considering the conditions.  You have to be universally pleased with yourself and your effort!

I now have to go look at what all you ate; I'm on a different post of yours right now.  I shall return!

TRINA again -

Between mile 75 and the end ----- two hot dogs?!?  Curious minds must know how you got your paws on two hots dogs (or even one, for that matter).   ???

Has Redman posted what will be the on-course offerings for the half-iron?  If not, maybe email the RD and ask directly; chances are you will get a detailed response.

One more to follow.

TRINA once more -

I'd say she has already proved her worth in paying attention to you and your training logs and - especially!!! - offering suggestions for how to approach today's ride.  I gassho in her general direction.

I hope you have no more doubts about the switch, and to paraphrase the old Bob Dylan line -- "When ya ain't got nothin', you got nothin' to lose" -- you pulled the plug after suffering from benign inattention for way too long.  And for someone who is indeed "focused, motivated, and a hard worker", you deserved better than you received form you "ex".

So, enjoy the actual talk-talk with her tomorrow; it should be exhilarating for you!

JOHANNE -

Hi!!!

Hello!