mcgilmartin's 2013 Mentor Group~ let's get swimming! CLOSED FOR TRAINING (Page 19)

smartine - 2013-02-20 7:58 AM

A completely unrelated question now. I am using the 20 week Olympic training schedule from this site to get ready for a race in May. This is a simple volume builder program. Definitely what I need for swimming, welcome on the bike but perhaps not for the running part.

Last week during one of the short runs I decided to push it a bit for 1km. Running fast felt awkward. It seemed as if my body forgot how to do it. I assume that's because I've been training exclusively in zone 2 for a while.

My end goal is to train up to half ironman distance this summer and at the end of the year. What are your thoughts on making my run workouts more challenging by implementing speedwork and training in zones above zone 2 ?

I have used training schedules from My Asics with success and am now contemplating generating one that will set me up for a decent half marathon in August.

smartine - 2013-02-16 7:00 AM Picked up my racepack for next Sunday's aquathlon (Feb 25). First race of the year!

It's a 750m swim and a 5km run. I was happy to see that the swim requires a short beach run halfway. Significantly increases my odds of survival :-)

Next week is also a recovery week in my training schedule so should arrive well rested at the start. Plan is to take it real easy on the swim and push a bit harder during the run.

Any wise words of advice for a first time swimmer?

stevesflyshop - 2013-02-14 8:29 PM Did my first Yoga workout tonight. Thank goodness it was only half a session and the instructor had a date. I'm not sure I would have survived a full hour. On the bright side I have the corpse pose perfected!

smartine - 2013-02-20 6:58 AM

A completely unrelated question now. I am using the 20 week Olympic training schedule from this site to get ready for a race in May. This is a simple volume builder program. Definitely what I need for swimming, welcome on the bike but perhaps not for the running part.

Last week during one of the short runs I decided to push it a bit for 1km. Running fast felt awkward. It seemed as if my body forgot how to do it. I assume that's because I've been training exclusively in zone 2 for a while.

My end goal is to train up to half ironman distance this summer and at the end of the year. What are your thoughts on making my run workouts more challenging by implementing speedwork and training in zones above zone 2 ?

I have used training schedules from My Asics with success and am now contemplating generating one that will set me up for a decent half marathon in August.

smartine - 2013-02-20 6:51 AM

 

500m in 12m28s today. So a slight improvement.

Still not very confident to complete the 750m this weekend during the aquathlon in a smooth way, but fears about not finishing have been put to rest.

One thing I am quite happy about is that today for the first time my watch effectively recognized my full workout as being swum in freestyle. No longer blocks of breast or back stroke. Could it be it's finally clicking ?

Jenheaslip - 2013-02-20 6:08 PM

Question Matt, or anyone with advice  I love my new running shoes but am having trouble with blisters. I think my shoes are too tight at the toes and I plan to re-lace them tonight. I have had a blister on my right foot on the side of a toe and it won't go away. It hasn't gotten really bad, but it's always there.

Today after my run I had a blister on my other foot underneath a nail. The nail had been trimmed back further than normal and I think that was the problem - but this one is pretty painful.

So how do you treat blisters or get rid of them? And do you think too-tight shoes are the problem? Before when I ran I was having knee pain all the time, even at 3 miles, but I've done 17 runs with the new shoes up to 10 miles and only hurt once - so I don't want to give them up and I think all the extra cushioning is really working. But these blisters are a pain in the butt.

 

Jenheaslip - 2013-02-20 7:08 PM

Question Matt, or anyone with advice  I love my new running shoes but am having trouble with blisters. I think my shoes are too tight at the toes and I plan to re-lace them tonight. I have had a blister on my right foot on the side of a toe and it won't go away. It hasn't gotten really bad, but it's always there.

Today after my run I had a blister on my other foot underneath a nail. The nail had been trimmed back further than normal and I think that was the problem - but this one is pretty painful.

So how do you treat blisters or get rid of them? And do you think too-tight shoes are the problem? Before when I ran I was having knee pain all the time, even at 3 miles, but I've done 17 runs with the new shoes up to 10 miles and only hurt once - so I don't want to give them up and I think all the extra cushioning is really working. But these blisters are a pain in the butt.

 

mcgilmartin - 2013-02-19 8:40 PM

Jen, are you running in new shoes or socks?  Sounds like your socks could be the culprit.  Did you recently increase mileage?  Not to be pushing product, but the New Skin liquid bandage is made for blisters.  I use it all the time.  It burns like hell going on, but you won't feel the blisters after it goes on.  It lasts a few days too.  I'll send you a bottle to try out.  I think I have your address already, don't I?

oriolepwr - 2013-02-19 8:43 PM Most blisters are created due to moisture and friction. Running shoes generally speaking should be sized one full size up from dress shoes. Plenty of room at top of shoe. Feet flatten out when running so what seems to be just right at a store and what is right when you run are not necessarily the same thing. And do not over tighten the lacesSo if shoes are good then..... Moisture prevention- you want moisture wicking socks. . I use road runner sports thin style house brand. Do not use cotton socks. Socks really matter.If socks are good then.... Friction protect. For long runs or when you already have a blister. Body glide, or vaseline those toes and blisters!

Jenheaslip - 2013-02-20 11:19 PM

My last pair of shoes was a 9, but the guy at the running store checked me out and said that a 9 would be too big. And the 8.5 felt good at the store, but now I wonder if he was wrong. My dress shoes are an 8. Don't think I can take the shoes back now though, so I'm definitely going to try the wicking socks - I was running in cotton, whoops - and loosening the laces. Hopefully that will do it. I never had problems with cotton socks but then again, I never ran more than 5-6 miles either. Also never thought of body glide or Vaseline for feet,that's an easy one to try. Thank you too for the help! 

Jenheaslip - 2013-02-20 7:01 PM

I'm probably the last one to say anything about running, but I'm seeing a lot of success in my half marathon plan I think because of the speedwork and tempo runs. It's nice to do some runs just for mileage/endurance but also others at a faster pace and with more intensity. Plus the variety of runs is great. I'd say go for it; I don't think it can hurt to have separate training plans for each sport if you need them.

And great job on the swim!

 

DONOR711 - 2013-02-24 6:41 AM So I'm in the market now for clip less pedals and cycling shoes. I've done some research and am leaning towards the shimano dual purpose pedals and the pearl Izumi all road cycling shoe. I wanted a shoe that has a recessed cleat so that I can walk around with them without the click clacking of the cleats against the pavement. I think it's more of a mountain bike combination than a road bike combo. What I haven't been able to figure out is the benefits of having a road bike cleat over a MTB version. It basically does the same thing, but the MTB can be used for small amounts of walking as well, and from what I hear, it's easier to get into and out of the MTB pedals. Is there a reason I should reconsider road specific shoes that I may be overlooking?

bwingate - 2013-02-24 11:34 AM

I was thinking the same thing and the unsupported assertion I found was that road cleats are bigger and spread the pressure out over your foot more.  So, in theory, for longer rides, a road cleat would be more comfortable.  I hated walking into convenience stores in my roadie shoes not for the noise, but because I'd slip and look foolish (not that the spandex didn't help that), but I already had shoes and did not think the difference warranted paying extra.

mcgilmartin - 2013-02-24 8:55 PM Don, Speedplay also makes a really great cleat.  You can buy covers for them and they make walking easier.  I do think that you might regret the mountain shoes when the summer months come rolling around.  MTB shoes are great for walking in, but I don't know if the added pressure on your feet will warrant the benefit.  You can also look for shoes with a rubberized heel that make walking a tad easier.  Pearl Izumi is a great brand though, you'll be very happy.

smartine - 2013-02-25 7:53 AM

Sorry for the late reply, everyone.

Martin, I have been swimming 3 times per week consistently over the past two months. Definitely not planning on backing off.

I have let My Asics generate a new training schedule for me based on two runs per week. It should get me ready for a 1h38 half marathon by August. I picked up running last year. Did two half marathons and trained hard for the NY marathon which unfortunately did not take place. Based on my training times I was targeting a sub 4h finish with a silent hope of breaking 3h45 with the help of a more forgiving climate than the Singaporean one.

Yesterday was the aquathlon (750m swim + 5km run).I finished in 41:22 with an 18:12 swim, 2:12 transition and a 20:57 run. Finished 200th out of 860.

Swim was in a sheltered bay with only small waves. I started at the back and let everyone get in before I got going. After 200m my goggles got knocked off and shortly after I was seriously contemplating giving up. I turned on my back and found my composure back after 10 seconds. Was fine after. Never pushed hard and tried to swim as relaxed as possible, saving my energy for the run.

Transition was ok. I had pinned my bib to my shirt beforehand which got ripped off as I put it on. This cost me a bit of time.

Run was very good. I settled into a decent pace straight away and managed to sustain it perfectly. There was no shelter from the sun during the last 3km and I slowly started cooking. Tried drinking but only managed a few sips. A friend who started in an earlier wave was waiting 500m before the finish just as I was starting to cave. His cheers spurred me for that final sprint.

All in all a good first race.

smartine - 2013-02-26 6:10 PM Thanks, Donald. How is your swimming coming along?

smartine - 2013-02-24 8:53 AM

Sorry for the late reply, everyone.

Martin, I have been swimming 3 times per week consistently over the past two months. Definitely not planning on backing off.

I have let My Asics generate a new training schedule for me based on two runs per week. It should get me ready for a 1h38 half marathon by August. I picked up running last year. Did two half marathons and trained hard for the NY marathon which unfortunately did not take place. Based on my training times I was targeting a sub 4h finish with a silent hope of breaking 3h45 with the help of a more forgiving climate than the Singaporean one.

Yesterday was the aquathlon (750m swim + 5km run).I finished in 41:22 with an 18:12 swim, 2:12 transition and a 20:57 run. Finished 200th out of 860.

Swim was in a sheltered bay with only small waves. I started at the back and let everyone get in before I got going. After 200m my goggles got knocked off and shortly after I was seriously contemplating giving up. I turned on my back and found my composure back after 10 seconds. Was fine after. Never pushed hard and tried to swim as relaxed as possible, saving my energy for the run.

Transition was ok. I had pinned my bib to my shirt beforehand which got ripped off as I put it on. This cost me a bit of time.

Run was very good. I settled into a decent pace straight away and managed to sustain it perfectly. There was no shelter from the sun during the last 3km and I slowly started cooking. Tried drinking but only managed a few sips. A friend who started in an earlier wave was waiting 500m before the finish just as I was starting to cave. His cheers spurred me for that final sprint.

All in all a good first race.

DONOR711 - 2013-02-26 4:46 AM

Matt, the speedplay looks like really nice cleats.  A bit out of my price range, but I'll keep it in mind when I go pro! I'm curious why you say I may regret mountain shoes in the summer?  Are they generally less comfortable when the weather gets hot, or do mountain bike shoes just put more pressure on your feet?  Also, what is your take on Shimano SPD cleats vs SPD-SL cleats?  

smartine - 2013-02-25 6:53 AM

Sorry for the late reply, everyone.

Martin, I have been swimming 3 times per week consistently over the past two months. Definitely not planning on backing off.

I have let My Asics generate a new training schedule for me based on two runs per week. It should get me ready for a 1h38 half marathon by August. I picked up running last year. Did two half marathons and trained hard for the NY marathon which unfortunately did not take place. Based on my training times I was targeting a sub 4h finish with a silent hope of breaking 3h45 with the help of a more forgiving climate than the Singaporean one.

Yesterday was the aquathlon (750m swim + 5km run).I finished in 41:22 with an 18:12 swim, 2:12 transition and a 20:57 run. Finished 200th out of 860.

Swim was in a sheltered bay with only small waves. I started at the back and let everyone get in before I got going. After 200m my goggles got knocked off and shortly after I was seriously contemplating giving up. I turned on my back and found my composure back after 10 seconds. Was fine after. Never pushed hard and tried to swim as relaxed as possible, saving my energy for the run.

Transition was ok. I had pinned my bib to my shirt beforehand which got ripped off as I put it on. This cost me a bit of time.

Run was very good. I settled into a decent pace straight away and managed to sustain it perfectly. There was no shelter from the sun during the last 3km and I slowly started cooking. Tried drinking but only managed a few sips. A friend who started in an earlier wave was waiting 500m before the finish just as I was starting to cave. His cheers spurred me for that final sprint.

All in all a good first race.

smartine - 2013-02-25 7:53 AM

Sorry for the late reply, everyone.

Martin, I have been swimming 3 times per week consistently over the past two months. Definitely not planning on backing off.

I have let My Asics generate a new training schedule for me based on two runs per week. It should get me ready for a 1h38 half marathon by August. I picked up running last year. Did two half marathons and trained hard for the NY marathon which unfortunately did not take place. Based on my training times I was targeting a sub 4h finish with a silent hope of breaking 3h45 with the help of a more forgiving climate than the Singaporean one.

Yesterday was the aquathlon (750m swim + 5km run).I finished in 41:22 with an 18:12 swim, 2:12 transition and a 20:57 run. Finished 200th out of 860.

Swim was in a sheltered bay with only small waves. I started at the back and let everyone get in before I got going. After 200m my goggles got knocked off and shortly after I was seriously contemplating giving up. I turned on my back and found my composure back after 10 seconds. Was fine after. Never pushed hard and tried to swim as relaxed as possible, saving my energy for the run.

Transition was ok. I had pinned my bib to my shirt beforehand which got ripped off as I put it on. This cost me a bit of time.

Run was very good. I settled into a decent pace straight away and managed to sustain it perfectly. There was no shelter from the sun during the last 3km and I slowly started cooking. Tried drinking but only managed a few sips. A friend who started in an earlier wave was waiting 500m before the finish just as I was starting to cave. His cheers spurred me for that final sprint.

All in all a good first race.