shornick's Group - FULL (Page 2)

Craig,

 "Need" is subjective.  With proper technique, you should realize a 25-40% increase in efficiency with "clip-less" pedals.  You can definitely "do" your sprint with std. pedals to make sure you want to continue this tri thing.  I guess it all depends on your goals for this 1st one.  Another point...if you ride your bike a lot for just getting around and errands, then "clipless" could be a pain unless you buy some clip-in platforms for that sort of stuff.

I do not recommend toe clips.  If you change, go for "clipless". 

On the low end, you'll spend approx. $120 for shoes and pedals on sale or special.  As with anything in cycling, the sky is the limit.  I am totally happy with a $50 pair of Diadora shoes (ebay) and Look pedals (approx. $80 on sale at Performance).

 I hope this info helps,

 Scott

January Goal Update

Goal: Run 162 miles and stay injury free

I have stayed injury free (except for some pain in my left knee, but it is not that bad, or I'll find out for sure on Saturday if is it a big deal).
I missed on the mileage, got sick and missed an entire week of running that should have been my 50+ mile week.  With tomorrow's and Wednesday's day runs, I should finish out at 120 miles.

Bike 200 miles or equivalent time on the trainer

I biked 12 hours on the trainer or at the cycle class.  12 hours = about 192 miles for me (16 mph avg)

Start weight training

I did start some weigth training!

I was only 50%
Injury Free (check)
Weight training (check)

Jan Update:
Swim      173 actual/160 goal     Exceeded time goal, 400 yards continuous
Bike        520 actual/240 goal     Exceeded time goal thanks to trainer
Run         249 actual/200 goal     Exceeded time goal, long run 4.0 miles 
Strength 130 actual/240 goal     Missed time goal due to back pain issues in Utah 

Overall 1072 actual/840 goal     I'm happy with that


*** FEB Goals (Short Month)***
Swim           240, Long = 500 yards 
Bike             360, Long = 30 miles (1:45) 
Run              280, Long = 4.5 miles
Strength      200

Well, I was wrestling with the classic road bike vs. tri bike purchase decision.  I'm currently riding a classis 1981 Nishiki Cresta, which is still in great shape.  It was my high school graduation present.

I ended up going with a used 2006 Felt S32 tri bike with all Ultegra componentry (picture attached).  Not quite what others oogle over as "bike porn", but a great step up for me.

I had a fit done yesterday and had it set up with a not too agressive aero position, so I can take some time to get used to the new position and stretch my hamstrings and lower back. 

We'll see how it goes.

Scott 

(New Bike.JPG)

Feb Update:
Swim      347 actual/240 goal     Exceeded time goal, 645 yards continuous
Bike        523 actual/360 goal     Exceeded time goal, long 28 miles
Run         335 actual/280 goal     Exceeded time goal, long run 5.5 miles 
Strength 80 actual/200 goal       Missed time goal

Overall 1205 actual/880 goal     Tri-sports only

Weight is down to 180-ish (started at 198-200 in early December) 

*** MARCH Goals ***
Swim           360, Long = 800 yards 
Bike             480, Long = 35 miles 
Run              320, Long = 6.5 miles
Strength      180

I didn't make my January goals and February was a total loss due to the broken arm thing.  The Dr. has given me the full go ahead to do anything that I want, I just have to go back on March 28th for another Xray, which at that time it should be totally healed.

March Goals:

Run - Finish both Ultras that I have on the schedule without falling down and breaking anymore bones.

Bike - 300 miles or equivalent on the trainer

Swim - I'll try to get in the pool in a couple of weeks - I can't rotate my shoulder completely around yet, but want to go and start breast stroking by the middle of March.

Everyone is doing so great! - Sorry I have been out of pocket lately.

I've had a semi-recurring pain (4 of the last 6 runs) in my left knee. On Sunday's run it persisted. It normally starts 2.5-4 miles into a run. It is behind the lower portion of my left patella and sometimes I also feel pain in the upper outer (left) area of the patella as well. It stops immediately if I walk. The onset seems to be delayed (0.5-1 mile) by running on softer ground or a treadmill.

Is it worse when you are running or walking downhill or down stairs?    - I have had 2 cases of Runner's knee, once in each knee over the past 2 winters.  So far this year I haven't got it.  For me it lasts about 6 weeks and I usually can run through it by decreasing my mileage by 50-75%.    Another indicator or runner's knee is if you can run uphill or put the treadmill on an incline and it doesn't hurt.

There are other things as well, like IT band, which I believe is on the outside of your knee.  I haven't had that yet.

Here is a link to the 5 most common running injuries.  I have had two of them so far (Runner's Knee and Plantar Fasciitis) and Plantar Fasciitis was the worst, it stopped me from running for 2 months last spring and early summer

http://www.time-to-run.com/injuries/thebig5/index.htm

Thanks guys...

It sure seems to be one or the other of the two you point out.  I suspect "Runner's Knee".

You'll see my milegae go down immediately and I'll be working on the recommended treatments, stretching, strengthening until the doctor confirms next week.  Luckily I still have time to get it healed.

 Bummer...

Well, I did my first tri yesterday - Strawberry Field Sprint.

Here is my report.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=70346&posts=1&start=1

Scott