Colin Cook's Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 2)

sbright - 2010-04-17 9:50 AM Hi Colin and other mentees!

My name is Sarah, user name sbright, 33, and I'd like to join this group to help me get ready for my first triathlon.
 
Story: I have absolutely no background in sports - hated them as a kid and barely made it through PE classes.  I was a professional dancer for several years but I don't know if that counts as a sport!  Anyway, after having my child, I couldn't go back to dancing full time so I joined a gym.  That was 10 years ago and since then I have earned an MS in Kinesiology, Exercise Science concentration and worked as a personal trainer for 7 years.  I did fitness/figure competitions a few years ago but never had any interest in endurance sports until I saw my (out-of-shape) husband finish the Chicago Marathon last year.  I believe there is nothing like a goal to get people moving so I started training for a half-marathon and have now indulged my (until recently) secret fantasy to be a triathlete!
 
Status:  Married.  One daughter.

Current Training:  Two swim sessions, two bike sessions, two running sessions, and two strength training sessions each week.  

Hours to Train:  Plenty - time management has become my specialty!  Full time job, family, rehearsal?  No problem...its all about the schedule book.     

2010 Races:  Aug 1 - Rock n Roll Half Marathon, Chicago.  Aug 28 - Chicago Triathlon Sprint, a few other small races along the way.
 
Weightloss:  No thank you!

I'm looking forward to working with everyone.  Thanks!

Sarah

drew2219 - 2010-04-17 12:23 PM Colin-

I currently swim at a local aquatic facility, and have been trying to get at least 2 per week, but feel I should possibly consider increasing it to 3 since this is my weak area.

I'll definitely work on getting someone to video me soon here. But to speak a little about what I currently do at the pool, I just get in and swim lol. I don't tend to do much besides swim a few 500yd sets, so I'm sure I need to change that up, I've just found it hard to attempt to discipline myself with structured workouts since I can't really critique them or tell if I'm even spending my time wisely.

So, in regards to questions for you about swimming, I guess it would be this: I've read online and seen a lot of different choices for workouts, but I'd like to know what you believe would benefit me the most. I simply want to improve my swim for tris, and do it in the quickest and most efficient fashion.

As for training time per week, there is an interesting answer to that. Finals for school are in 2 weeks, so typically, it gets quite hectic, and training absolutely takes a back burner. But that aside, I'd really like to train around 10 hrs a week, but with the summer coming up, I have no opposition to increasing that, if you think it'd be wise. I'm currently trying to do 2/2/2, but like I said, I can increase the swim to 3, and keep or increase the others as well.

Thanks so much for your decision to help all of us out, I'm really looking forward to it! 

Oh, and one more thing, I currently use SportTracks to log all my workouts, but I just uploaded my recent workouts just with distance and time in case you want to get a feel for what I'm doing.

Everyone else- 

I'm glad to see everyone else signing up for this group. I'm excited to have some extra peer motivation and look forward to"training" with yall!!

Andrew

TdG717 - 2010-04-17 12:44 PM Hello, Colin!
I hope there's still room in your Mentor Group for one more.   My name is Frank; BT screen name TdG717.  

After a couple years of wishing/wanting to do a tri, I decided to make it happen this year.   So, I'm newbie with lots of questions.   Background: I started running about 10 years ago after 20 years of smoking.   Last November, I did the New York Marathon (my 7th marathon) so I do enjoy running.   Love the bike and love cycling.  Swimming...yeah, I could use some help there.   But I'm sticking with it and just wanting to understand and learn more there.

Frank

michgirlsk - 2010-04-17 2:13 PM

Hi again Colin!

First of all, I am happy to hear your encouragement about a half-ironman in September!  I actually wasn't sure if it would be a bit too much to aim for.  I've been thinking long and hard about it recently because there's a $20 price increase after 4/30, so I'm thinking about whether or not I want to register soon!  I am really leaning towards registering though...

The half-marathon (on 6/6) is definitely a priority... but so is getting in my first tri!  haha!  Otherwise, if I don't do the 5/29 one, my first tri would be on 6/23, and honestly, that just seems sooo far away.   In addition, I'm thinking about sprints on 7/21 and 8/18.  These three are a series put on by our local running store, and they give $30 vouchers if you volunteer at their events.  I've volunteered at a few of their running events now, so I'm hoping to be able to use the vouchers for their triathlons as well.  If so, that'd be three tri's for $75, how can I pass that up!

Now, to let you know about my current training, I will try to explain what I've been doing:

Running.  I'm pretty much following the FIRST training program: http://www.furman.edu/first/Half%20Marathon%20Training%20Program%20-%20metric.pdf so basically three "key" workouts.  I liked it in the beginning because quite honestly, I liked the idea of running less, haha.  But now I'm feeling like I want to run more, so I may add in an extra run, at half the distance of the week's long run.  So, this means about 4 runs a week.  I use McMillan's running calculator to determine my pacing.

Swimming. Like Andrew, I pretty much just get in the pool and swim.  haha.  In the beginning I was also doing interval workouts (I looked at some triathlon training plans), but honestly... I don't think I like intervals... (which I find to be a bit strange since it's the opposite with running- I love interval workouts!)  Drills, the same thing... the thought of them just bores me LOL.  So most recently, I have just been doing continuous swims, bilateral breathing.  I've been gradually increasing the length of my swims.  But, at 2:25/100m, I know I'm slow.  Honestly I don't think my form is that bad, but obviously something isn't right!  And, I do realize intervals and drills help, soooo at some point, I will be willing to do them.   I aim to swim at least 3 times a week.

Biking.  ahhh, the biking!  I believe this will be my weak spot... I'm slow at swimming, but I feel comfortable being able to go the distance.  The biking, I'm in the process of trying to slowly build up.  I was on the stationary bike during the cold winter months (well, February onwards), and ramped up too quickly apparently.  I started experiencing knee aggravation.   So now that I've shifted to outside biking with the weather being nicer, I'm just trying to take it slowly and ease into it, hoping the knee aggravation does not come back!  As of now I'm doing 5 mile rides.  I am thinking about building up one "longer" ride like 3-5 miles more than the previous week.  What is the baseline for increasing long rides?  Honestly, I am just very worried about getting injured!  I am aiming for 3 rides a week.

Also, I incorporate a "recovery week" every 4th week, and this is a drastic cutback. This is more of a mental thing than anything I think.  My paranoia of getting injured (I've had overuse running injuries in the past) has me thinking that I should play it really safe during this week.

Oh, and I lift weights like 2 times a week because I like it.  I have read there is no concrete evidence that points to strength training helping triathletes, but that doesn't really bother me.

This is where I'm at right now, and I hope to keep at it!

Thanks again for your time Colin!

And as a group I hope we'll be able to benefit from each other, it seems like we've got an assortment of backgrounds!

GA Tri(er) - 2010-04-17 3:44 PM

Hello Colin,

Name:  My name is Russ, and my username is GA Tri(er).

Story:  Last November (2009), I learned a former co-worker completed in the Hawaii Ironman which cemented in my mind that I wanted to compete in a triathlon.  I knew it would be a LONG time before I was ready to do an ironman distance, but after reading about the sprint distance, I felt like I could get ready for that and compete later this fall (maybe sooner).  I played baseball and soccer growing up and continued with baseball through high school.  I began mountain biking in college, and eventually stopped that due to moving, job, etc.  I'm ready for a new challenge and to get back into shape (although I don't really need to lose any weight).

Status:  I'm married (just celebrated our 8th anniversary last week) with two kids - daughter 5 and son 3.

Current Training: I began running in January (treadmill at work), but with tax season starting up (I'm a CPA.) and bronchitis mid-February, I haven't done anything since getting sick.  Now that tax season is over, I'm ready.

2010 Races:  I'm trying to talk my brother and a friend into doing a sprint tri during Labor day weekend or the first weekend in October.  I have nothing else planned.

Weight Loss:  5 or 10 pounds at most; I'm mainly looking to get fit "internally."

Additional Comments:  Even though I haven't ridden a bike in many years, and only recently started running, I'm not too concerned with those portions of the tri.  Swimming is my concern, and I think your experience is exactly what I need, Colin.  While I can swim, I'm definitely not great at it and probably tire out well before anyone else might.  I haven't done any swimming in years and have certainly never done any competitive swimming, so I have no idea what to expect.  I look forward to your suggestions, and I hope you still have room in your group.

Thanks,
Russ

Slowboy3094 - 2010-04-17 9:46 PM Hello,

Name:  Chris out of San Diego, love the weather out here.

Story:  After 8 years in the Marine Corps, I kind of let myself go fitness wise.  With work and school I did not think I had time to really think about fitness.  Well about a year ago and 70 lbs, I decided to join and MMA style gym.  I had a martial arts background in the military and as a Krav Maga instructor.  So, I joined with my wife.  After nearly dying my first session I was hooked.  The gym got me going Yoga (the best thing that I have done), kettlebells, BJJ, boxing, crossfit, etc.  So, at Christmas I decided I wanted to train for competitive Muay Thai fighting.  My wife had signed up for some mud runs, bike races and duathlons for the year.  After going to her first race in Feb.  we decided to do a Sprint Triathlon.  Well, I had been running a little maybe 1.5 miles and there was a 5k three weeks away and I signed up and did ok and three weeks later, I did a 10K.  I know not the smartest training schedule, buy my Muay Thai training, had me in good shape.  So, after the 5K and 10K we decided that we were going to do several more races and a Half Marathon in Sept.  The Sprint Tri is in Aug. 

After my wife duathlon, I decided that  I could not keep up with her on our rides with my MTN bike so I go a road bike with cleats and clipless pedals, and since then I have enjoyed biking so much.

Status: Married< no kids.  We have friends and family with kids if we ever get the itch.  HAHA

Current Training:  Everything,  Muaythai 5 times a week, Yoga 3 to 4 times a weeks, kettlebells 3 times a week.  Bike at least 12 miles  twice a week, starting up up mileage (we have a 37 mile ride coming up in May), Run 2-3 miles a week, at least 4 miles each time, swim, (probably my weakest point) I will start seriously training in about two weeks for all three.  But, I was a Water Survival Instructor in the Marine Corps, but I have never really learned how to swim.  I do have a wetsuit, (brand new from my in-laws so that is nice) I have done the occasional OWS, which I really enjoy more than pool swimming. 

Last Race Season: None only gym and Muay Thai training.

2010 Races- Devil Dog 5k (30:52), Mission Eco 10K (1:14) got lost, 37 Mile bike ride, 10 k Mud Run, Cinco de Mayo 10K, July 9 miler, Camp Pendleton Sprint Tri, Camp Pendleton Half Mary, MCRD Boot Camp challenge.  I am sure there are more, but that is all I can think of off the top of my head.

Weightloss: Since losing about 70lbs 220 from 288, it is not that much a concern however, it is part of training.  Realistically I will probably be happy at around 200 lbs.

What will make me a good men-tee:  I immerse myself into something that I enjoy, I do not do anything halfa$$, so I encourage the criticism, even if it makes me upset.  No one is harder than I am on myself, ask my Muay Thai Instructor.  I will also being helping my wife train (she has put me in charge, she is scared to death of OWS, so this should  be fun).  Any help will be help.

Thanks

Chris

htregear - 2010-04-18 10:40 AM
Hey Colin, got any room?


Name:  My name is Hans Tregear, username is htregear.

Story:  I've always had a passion for competition and wanted to be a bodybuilder. I'm sure your already questioning why I am doing this haha. After two years of training with some light cardio, I decided to go on a long distance run and ran a 5K in 20 minutes. The time itself isn't too great, but for someone who had not ran in 2 years, I was pretty surprised by it. I realized that I had never lost my cross country speed and that I was an endurance athlete all along. It explained why my body struggled to change to the fast twitch muscles and to grow into a bodybuilder. So I did a 180, changed my diet and started training for a triathlon. I have always had a coach when I've trained, so right now i'm pretty lost. I'm sure I'm over training with swimming and running every morning and biking when I get a chance in the evening after work. I hope you have the time to help me!

Status:  I am single.  I work at a medical center doing pharmacology/toxicology research and plan to attend med school by 2011.

Current Training:  I just swim and run as much as i possibly can in two hours every morning. I still lift weights as much as I can, but I'm sure I need some serious guidance on what to do to improve my triathlon shape.

Weightloss:  I am currently not trying to lose any weight.

Why I would be easy to train: I ran XC and track all of high school. I have a real passion for distance running. Swimming is something I've always enjoyed just never competed in. I have always dreamed of doing triathlons, specifically sprint tri's but never had the opportunity to get the training down and didn't have a bike. My brother upgraded bikes so I now have his "old" 08 Cervelo P2C. I am incredibly motivated to train and be given instruction as to how to improve my training. The hardest part for me in all of this is over-training. I have a tendency to over-do over-kill things. I'm sure running a minimum of 5K as fast and hard as I can every morning and swimming 1200-2000 meters per morning is hurt me in the long run. Plus the weight training every other night. And biking here and there. So as a mentor, I would be incredibly easy to coach because the motivation, drive and eagerness to compete is there. 

cquin534 - 2010-04-18 12:51 PM Hi Colin,

If there is still room in our goup I'd love to join.  My name is Chad, user name cquin534. I'm 28 from Boston and just signed up yesterday for my first tri in August.  I've always been active and and pretty fit right now, but a tri is definitely a  new challenge for me. 
I usually run about 15-20 miles a week and do weight lifting at least 3 or 4 days a week.  Up until now most of my work outs have focused on strength and basic fitness.  Lot of intervals and supersets, which don't really apply as much for a tri.  Once I decided I really wanted to do a tri I started a training plan more in line with this goal in mind.  I am running usually 3 or 4 days a week, two short, two longer and biking 3 days a week.  I'm new to biking and actually dont even own a road bike yet, but I'm not too worried about running or biking. 
Like many people swimming is a big concern for me.  Up until two weeks ago I hadn't been in a pool to actually swim in years, and I was never much of a swimmer to begin with.  I've been swimming 3 days a week (only for the past two weeks) and I think I've improved my form a bit, but I still have zero endurance in the pool and know my breathing technique still needs a lot of work.  Any tips you could give here on technique or workouts in general would be a big help.
Thanks!
Chad

ET1SW47 - 2010-04-18 1:56 PM

Hi Colin,

My name is Tim and I am hoping you still may have room for one more.

Story:  48 year old Brewery worker.  I wrestled in High School and since then have basically let my self go over the past 30 years.  The last time I had attempted a mile run (walk) was 20 years ago in the Navy. I have tried, on several occasions through out my life, to get in or maintain some kind of shape with limited success.  I recently saw that a friend of mine from bootcamp at 46 had completed an Ironman and I have to say I was intrigued.  Around February, I came across Dave Ramsey's "High Performance Achievment" CD and decided to do a triathlon as my "Big Hairy Audacious Goal".  It seemed like a good idea at the time and because I am thinking the problem I have had with maintaining shape may be due to not having a focus for the workouts. In other words no goal for the workouts. 

Current Training: Unfortunately, until the past week I have not followed the work out plan very well.  I do seem to be on track now but, I only have 6 weeks left to train for my first Sprint.  The Tri for Joe in Cincinnati.  I am trying to play catch up with the 22 week Couch to Tri program. I have never been a runner, Did some biking as a teenager, and I have never had formal swim training.  I do excell at swimming under water but, I think those skills may only come in handy when I get water splashed in my fast while trying to breath in the 1st stage of the race.  LOL

Goals:  My first goal with this Tri is to finish and learn. Period.  In July I will be doing the Ceasar Creek Sprint, July 11.  My goal is to take what I experienced in the Tri For Joe, add to that another 6 weeks of training and place in the upper 75% of pack at Ceasar Creek.  After that I would like to do one more Sprint this year and from there build my way up to actually doing an Ironman sometime in my 50th year.

Status: Married, 3 children, 1 Son-in-Law, 1 Grandson.

Race Experience:  NONE

Weight:  5'10 240lbs

As far as being a good Mentee.....  I have nowhere to go but up! 


I know you have exceeded the recommended number of folks but, I would really like to reap the benefits of your experience and training.

Thanks,

Tim

hockeyhands - 2010-04-18 1:34 PM
Hey Drew,

Yeah, like I said it would be great to get some video of you so I hope you're able to make that happen.  As far as your swimming goes, we should definitely get some more structure in your workouts.  So when you do swim, how long do you usually swim for?  Do you feel winded/have trouble getting through the sets of 500 you do?  I think we should start throwing some interval and sprints into your workouts as well as some drills.  The next time you're in the pool, will you do a 200 yard timed swim for me?  I'd like to see what your current time would be so when we start making some changes to your workouts, we can see if its working or not. 

With finals coming up soon, I think we should hold off on making any changes to your schedule/training.  Obviously this should take priority over training.  Nonetheless, lets get some more structure in your swim workouts.  So let me know how much time you typically spend in the pool and we'll go from there.

Thanks for posting your logs in here and that does help me.  Do you have a heart rate monitor?  If so, would you mind posting that info?  If you don't its OK and I know funds are tough as a college student, but I would highly recommend getting one if possible.  It can really help take your training to the next level.

Great stuff Drew.  Look forward to hearing back from you soon.

michgirlsk - 2010-04-18 10:41 PM

My biking knee aggrevation came from riding the stationary bike at the gym, so I was just adjusting the bike as I thought was fine for me.  But I'm totally finished with riding the stationary at the gym! ...for now anyway.  As for my actual bike.  It's a Trek 7.5fx... (livestrong edition- yeah! hahaha!)  so it's a hybrid, and I have also heard of it as a step below a road bike.  But anyway, I have not had a chance to ride that bike yet this year.  I had taken it in for a maintenance check-up... got it back today, only to discover a minor problem so I'll be taking it back to them.... but I guess it's a good thing, because I'll use that opportunity to ask them about fitting the bike for me!

As for my training time... in theory, well, I've got time.  At the moment, I have no job.  (I haven't figure out yet if that's a fortunate or unfortunate thing. )  Triathlons are something I've always wanted to do, so I see this as THE time to do it, because I can have ample time!  So for now, the only thing stopping me from swimming, biking, and running would be my sheer laziness.

As for the swimming, at the moment my long (only?) swims are at 1750m, so my swim workouts can be adjusted according to that I guess.  This past week I did three swims of continuous 1750m.  I would definitely be willing to incorporate intervals and drills though.  Not sure if it makes a difference, but in general, I like planning workouts according to distance as opposed to time.

Thanks!