MarkQuiet's group - FULL (Page 19)

I ordered them directly from TI, but via Amazon.com, if I remember correctly.  Unfortunately, I bought large but really need XL.  They run small.  They really work once you get a feel for switching.

I got in a short OWS tonight before dinner at our boat club.  I was much faster and more confident.  I did wear my wetsuit, mostly for buoyancy (safety), but I tried hard to breathe in the 5s and 4s, although I dropped to 3s whenever my irrational OW fears crept back in.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the swim.  I can't say that yet.

I've never had one at that psi, which is what I routinely use.  If you do get a flat or two, then have your rim tape replaced.  This is the barrier between your spokes and innertube, which, if it's slipped or is "factory" is usually lame.  I recommend a cloth rim tape.  I've put it on all my active bikes and haven't flatted from that problem since.  I have picked up stickers and tacks, etc. and hope I just didn't jinx myself.

Well all, summertime's here and the livin' is easy?  Not for triathletes.  It's heating up here in Texas and I'm trying my best to embrace the heat and humidity with a positive attitude.  But being a Northwesterner by birth, it's still hard for me down here during the summer.  Anyway, keep up the good training.  Enter more races than you think you should.

Doug and Kirk - Please send us some rain!  You guys are hogging it all (and I'm sure sick of it by now).  We had a little brush with a tropical storm but its still critically dry here.  I feel the humidity though and it saps my strength more than anything.  Other than prehydrating and staying hydrated while you work out and afterwards, and running early in the morning or late at night, any other suggestions?

I'm thinking of riding my bike to work every day even though its a short distance, just to get some miles on my legs.  Doug, did you get the TI book for OWS for triathlons?  Just wondering if it has much more in it than Freestyle Made Easy. 

Bike to work!  It's a no brainer.

Yes, I think I have that TI book, too.  It's a good read after learning the basics.  He has some different ideas once you get past the initial TI lessons.

I don't really keep track of what I drink prior to a run, especially if it's in the morning.  Then it's a cup of coffee, a glass of OJ and maybe a small bit of gatorade.  If it's a short (for me) run of less than about 5-6 miles, I generally don't carry water with me, although now that it's hot and humid, I might.  Longer runs, I carry a fuel belt with water and gatorade, and sometimes a squeeze bottle, too.  I had to force some down my hard-headed running buddy the other morning as he refused during the run until he bonked in the 8th mile.  I took small sips throughout and was fine.  On any normal work day, it's a couple cups o' joe, some apple juice and some ice water.  I probably should drink more water, but just don't do it often enough.

As for camelback, I used to use one and am considering going back to it for long training rides.  On my 38 mile ride Saturday, I only had 2 bottles and no ability to refill.  I underestimated.  When doing a sprint tri, I only use the bike bottles.  My wife uses her camelback even when competing.  It's an extra step in T1, but she doesn't like reaching for a bottle.  You've gotta go with whatever makes you most comfortable on the bike.  No one likes to crash.

Hi Everyone,

This is what I learned from an earlier mentor group that disbanded: Sports Nutrition for Endurance athletes recommends 24 ounces an hour before exercise, with an additional 8-16 ounces 30 minutes before.  They also recommend 60-80 ounces total in a day. 

I was getting bad cramps in my calves when I swam and my mentor told me it was likely due to lack of proper hydration.  Now, when I get up in the morning I get out a bike bottle and I make sure I drink 4 (and now that its getting hot, probably 5) of them a day. 

I like the idea of the camelback thingy's.  Give a report on 'em if you use one.  I hate having to slow down and have dropped my water bottle in the past and its a hassle! 

Any one racing or getting in some good, hard workouts this weekend?  Be safe....have fun!

Can any one recommend a good HR monitor?  (I think I asked this before but forgot) - Are the ones I see people using on bikes that have a GPS the same ones that people wear on their wrists? (they do HR and tracking)  I'm sort of confused about all the technology but really feel like a good HRM would help boost my fitness level and decrease my times.  THANKS!

I have a Timex Ironman watch but it's not a HRM, and, in fact, I've never figured out how to use it for laps for swimming or to differentiate between my swim, bike and run times.  I suppose reading a manual would be helpful (my husband would nod in agreement if he were reading this).

I have another question.  My first and only tri time was 1:33:44.  I dilydallied a little cuz I didn't want to use up all my energy and burn out before I ran and didn't know what to expect.  I've been looking at the "winning" times in my age group and there's a lady who runs the local races who finishes in the 1:08:+ time catagory.  What is a realistic time I can expect to improve to considering I'm 50 and, although althletic and competitive, have limited ability to improve considering my "advanced age?" )  I need something realistic or I'll kill myself trying, and I need something challenging or I'll be bored.  (I know, I'm complex....)  Are there ratios you can expect to improve in????  Maybe getting my HRM will help in this area...

Hey Frank.  Thanks for the info.  I do believe I have the biggest potential for improvement on my bike.  I overconfidently thought it would be the best part of my race and it was my worst as far as time compared to others in my age group.  Once I can get back on my ankle again and start running I hope to shave some time there too as well as the swim.  Since I am so prone to overdoing it and wind up injured, maybe the HRM would be a good thing for me.  I'm gonna keep investigating it.

Tony - have fun this weekend no matter what you do!  We'll all be excited to hear what you did....