Allison and Ryan's Beginner Mentor Group - FULL (Page 2)

Welcome to the group, Kirk.  It sounds like you can bring some good swimming and biking background to the group which is most helpful.  I was never a fan of running either and it's still not my favorite but I am beginning to enjoy it more. Although I still cannot stand the treadmill at the gym. I would rather run outside in the snow (snow is this white, cold fluffy stuff that falls from the sky in case you didn't know living in SC). Haha sorry I am just jealous of your warm weather.

It sounds like you have a good race schedule ahead of you starting with the sprint next month. Are you excited for your first tri??  It seems like we have a lot of beginners in here for you. I like training but have a newborn in the house so I won't be too training intense for awhile. And feel free to ask any question at all and we will try our best to answer it. No question is too stupid especially if you have never raced before.  Do you have a hybrid or mtn bike now? Don't worry about a road bike too much for your first sprint. Make sure you like tris first before investing too much $. You will have plenty of time later to spend lots of $$

Welcome to the group.  It sounds like you have very good goals as well.  I grew up in Ohio and was just in Central OH last weekend visiting some friends. And it's great that you have family/friends to inspire and race with you.  I know what you mean about struggling work and family and training. It can be really hard and I never really want to put training before family time. My first kid was born on March 2nd of this year so I am really lacking sleep as well.  And I have been working out a lot less because after work I feel as though I should spend time with her and not going to workout. But my wife bought me a bike trainer for xmas so I have been riding that a lot and still get to spend time being around my family. Although I am still working on changing diapers while riding at the same time...haha just kidding

I usually don't like to sleep before 11pm either but I started morning workouts last year. They actually made me feel more awake at work after working out in the early morning. I really hated getting out of bed but I always took a shower before working out. This sounds weird but the morning shower revived me a little and I felt a little energy burst. It took some time to get used to as I first felt really tired at work but eventually my body adjusted. It just takes some time. Plus getting up and working out early and then working all day made me a little more tired at night and I soon found myself being able to go to bed at 10pm.  Sorry I am not sure if that was really advice or not but I'll try to think of some suggestions.

Welcome Sarah!  I have family in the Akron area (about 30 min south of Cleveland). I actually did my first tri in Vermilion (near Sandusky). It's a really well-run small town race. And I have been back every year since to race it. www.hfpracing.com 

There are some training plans on here if you want to follow it or there are a few books out there too that have basic training plans.  You will eventually want to do some "brick" workouts before doing a tri which basically means you put two disciplines together in training. For example you would go out and bike 10 miles and then immediately run 2 miles. What type of bike do you have now?  Swimming will come with time. Form is most important I think in swimming and then speed will build up with good form and training.

Welcome to the group, Dan.  Wow you did do a lot of running in the past but don't worry I am sure it will all start to come back to you. Most people seem to fear the swimming but just work on your form at first.  I know what you mean about not being able ot scale back sometimes. I also want it to be fun and it is but sometimes I am too hard on myself when racing, with times, etc.  Is it hard being a Cubs fan in St. Louis??

Hi. Yes, there is still room in our group...you just made it in so welcome.  It sounds like you have a good running base which is great.  I'll cheer for you in the Chicago marathon this year because you run right by my condo towards the end of the race.

I really enjoy triathlons because I don't become too focused and thus bored working on just 1 discipline. Just keep working on your form in the pool or take a few classes with an instructor that can help your form. Then speed will come with time and proper form and fitness. I actually did notice my swim times improving with my overall fitness level (had easier time breathing). I started out with a hybrid too and lots of people ride them in races so don't worry about it. I have actually seen people on hybrids pass people in $5000 race bikes. It's all in the motor (you). Clipless pedals should help you a lot and expect to fall in the beginning. We all do it

Welcome Mary. You're the last one in I think?!  Congrats on signing up for the races and training programs....that's awesome. And you are NOT old.  There are 20 year olds out there who are not doing what you do!  Are you excited for your 5k at the end of the month? Will this be your first ever 5k? And aren't prescription goggles great?  I love them! Plus sometimes they help me find my bike in transition

I noticed you said you think you are full. 

Welcome Mary. You're the last one in I think?! 

If you decide you have room for one more let me know as I would love to join your group.  I am a 47 year old woman.  I started running 5ks in 2009.  I did a sprint tri and and olympic tri last year and LOVE triathlons. I was inspired during my sprint tri when I got passed by a lady who was 67.  That is my goal - long term triathlon racing to keep me young and healthy.

If you are truely full, no problem.  I will sign up for another group.

I'm so happy to be in this group!!  I'm pumped!  Yes, I used to run way too much, even in my short time of working on all three sports I've been happier than I ever was just running, even with my horrible swim technique!  I've been doing my biking at the gym on a stationary while my bike is getting tuned up, I even like that because I get to watch tv at the same time.  Yes, it is very hard to be a Cubs fan in this town, even though it's a pretty friendly rivalry.  Our kids have gone native and only root for the Cubs when Mom and Dad are around.  And they only wear Cards stuff to school, couple of cowards!  My wife is a bigger sports fan than I am and loves to hang flags and banners on our house supporting Chicago teams and U of I, I'm waiting to get vandalized.....  Thanks a ton for being willing to spend some of your precious "Dad of a newborn" time and energy helping newbies like me.

Dan.

Ok Jeana you can join us But I think you are now the last one so welcome aboard.  It sounds like you have become addicted to tris too which is great. 

Thanks for letting me in the group. 

STORY - I was raised in small town Illinois (Farmington) but currently live in Alexandria, Virginia.  My husband is a submariner in the navy, so we have moved about 20 times.  In April 2009 I watched my husband participate in a perimeter relay in Guam. 10 people - 48 miles - 2 runs each.  I decided then I wanted to do that race next year.  I started run/ walking 5 Ks.  In Guam 5ks usually cost $5. so we did them often. In 2009 I ran fourteen  5ks and my best time was 35:00. Honestly, I was just thrilled I could actually run 3 miles. I did run the Perimeter relay the next year. Our team tied for last place, but we made the cut off time. I loved it.  Our goal was survival not winning.  Then I moved back to the states where races are expensive.  So sad.  I love to race.  I read a book Run for Life and decided to cross train, so In 2010 I ran six 5Ks, DC sprint triathlon, Nations triathlon Olympic distance and two 10Ks.   During the winter I joined a masters swim team for a couple months to work on my stroke.  2011 started with another great run  -Krispie Kreme Challenge in North Carolina( run 2 miles, eat a dozen donuts, and run 2 more miles in an hour)  It was great, but it took me an hour and 5 minutes so I have to do that again next year.  Last weekend I ran the Cherry Blossom 10 mile run.  I am thrilled and shocked that I actually ran 10 miles.

FAMILY STATUS: I am 47 and have been happily married for 25 years.  22 year old son recently graduated from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois.  He is headed to Law School at Tulane University.  18 year old daughter will go to University of Illinois next year.  My daughter and husband train with me. They both love running ( I don't), but they will both be doing their first triathlon with me in June.  This summer I move to North Carolina. 

CURRENT TRAINING:  I am just finishing up a training program for 10 mile runs.  I usually swim twice a week and it is just warming up enough for me to ride. So it is time to regroup and focus on tri training.

RACES:  George Washington Parkway 10 mile run (This race is on Sunday, but will be postponed if there is a government shutdown, so while eating my pasta and tapering I am watching the news to see if I will run on Sunday)

May 1 - Gettysburg North-South Marathon Relay ( 5.8 miles for me)

June 19 - DC Triathlon - Olympic

Haven't figured out the rest of the year, but hope to do a half marathon in the fall and hopefully a couple more tris. 

huntnjerm - 2011-04-08 9:26 AM Had a good 5 mile run yesterday and I am off today and tomorrow as I have a 1/2 Marathon to run on Sunday. Back on schedule next week

Nice run yesterday. Good luck at your 1/2 this weekend.  I cannot wait to read your race report.

cool to meet you! Sounds like you will have lots of great advice to share. My husband's uncle was Admiral Hyman Rickover, so I have a special love for all submariners (above my immense gratitude for all service men and women).

Just a quick update.  Been on vacation in Palm Springs this week so my wife can attend a conference.  My training has been sidetracked a little.  I have to watch our 2 year old all day and have only gotten to the pool once.  Even then I have no idea what's going on because it's a "resort" pool so I don't know how far I'm swimming.  No bike either.  I have been able to get a good amount of running in since we brought the Chariot along for my daughter to ride in.

In fact we did a 5K yesterday that the conference was hosting.  I ran with my wife while pushing the Chariot.  We had to start last because we were pushing the stroller, which kind of sucked to be stuck back there.  We did end up passing a lot of people but were still held back because a lot of the course was on a sidewalk.  It was until we got well past the 2mile mark that things cleared up a bit.  Still we ran the 5k in 30:40 which isn't too terrible.  I think we could've done much better if we didn't start in the back, didn't have traffic, and didn't have 50lbs of toddler and stoller to push! I'm relatively happy with my performance.

@Shannon: We're a mil-fam too! But that's not what caught my eye.  We're in FL now but own a house out in CA on Mare Island.  It's a former Navy Yard but one of the streets in the neighborhood is Rickover! No doubt named after your husband's uncle.

Interesting about the Rickover connection.  Definitely heard of him my whole adult life.

How do you all keep track of your workouts?

I had been logging my workouts on facebook since the start of 2010, but am ready to switch to something else.  

Any body have any advice or great system for logging workouts?  Do you use the training log on this site? I might like something that is actually on my computer also.  I do have a garmin forerunner 305,  and use the Garmin training center software to get the info off my watch.

Jean

I have been using the log on BT to log my workouts and nutrition.  I'm not super sophisticated with my logging needs but what is available here works great for me.  Also, I figure that in order to get good feedback on what I'm doing, and not doing, I need our mentors to be able to see my logs if they want.  Just my two cents, have a great night.

Dan. 

@jeanawright enjoy the run today, I know that road like the back of my hand had to take it to High School for three years, Go Gonzaga, and your son is going to love Tulane my little brother went there for his undergrad, how he was able to get through it living in New Orleans is beyond me...

Don't worry Ryan, transplant from DC I know what cold and snow are, that's why I left, we actually got snow down here the week of Christmass which was fun riding around at work with the snow...  Right now I have a 1984 Trek 500 which is in ok shape, all original equipment but the wheels need to be replaced, due to rust issues and I think the wheels have a bit of dry rot so mostly I've been doing the exercise or spin bike at the gym or showing up to work early and doing my workouts on the mountain bikes but I have to be in full uniform when I do that and a 2 hour ride in kevlar is less than ideal.  Most likely I am going to buy a new wheelset for my first tri unless I find a great deal on ebay/craigslist in the next couple of weeks

Not much for me this weekend finishing yard work etc hope to get a ride in later but have an overtime job later tonight so we'll see.  I mostly log my workouts on BT I will add everyone at some point this weekend, haven't done much towards the nutrition logging but will start soon

WOW!

I hope you'll all excuse my fashionably late entrance.  My body has this annoying habit of not functioning quite right at all the wrong times and I've been sidelined with vertigo the last few days.  As a result the computer screen made me a bit dizzy so I avoided it.

On the up side, I got to scan all your stories at one time and I am so amazed at all the wonderful people Ryan and I get to hang with this season.  I will spend some time a little later responding to each of you individually but for now I just wanted to saw "Welcome aboard!"

I don't know if Ryan mentioned this yet but I wanted to recommend tracking your training in the BT logger.  Tracking your workouts will help you see your progress over time and tracking them here will give us more information to help answer your questions and a place where we can offer more encouragement.

It's a beautiful day here in the suburbs and I've been spinny-vision-free for almost 24 hours so I'm going to ditch the dizzy police and head outside for a ride this afternoon.  Enjoy your training today!

I have many training questions, but I will start with my first one. 

How do I do the heart rate training thing?  I do all my training by distance and time.  I have a heart rate monitor (Garmin 305) and sometimes wear it, but never use it for training.   From your experience is it better to train by heart rate?  I have read about it online, but never actually got around to figuring it all out.  

@tripopo  What high school did you go to? and I also am a bit stressed about my son in New Orleans.  Hope he can stay focused there.

I went to Gonzaga, the people with the big purple G's on the cars...

Not much in the way of training today but on the upside finally finished the paver patio my wife and I have been trying to finish for about three weeks hope to get a run in tomorrow since my week is going to be bike heavy with the class, expecting 35+ training rides every morning with 14-18 mph speeds on the mountain bikes...

love love LOVE my Garmin - I have a 301 but it works great for both my outdoor biking and running. I've been using running ahead to log my workouts, and will continue to but have also started logging in the BT - both can pull your workouts right off of your Garmin as long as it's connected (USB) to your pc. Swims I just log manually.

That's pretty cool. Good for you for running with the toddler!

Hey everyone! Just thought I'd gloat about the fact that the snow has finally melted from my back yard... except for one little pile on the north side of the house.

I ran today outside my little cabin in Wisconsin and it felt good. I'm on week 3 of the 13 week program and finally feel better about running. I read somewhere in BT about how beginners ought to focus on just doing the time and since I stopped trying to go fast, running has been way more pleasant. Of course, my husband thinks he could walk as fast as I run but I say pooh on him!

I did have a general training question tho - I started working out in December - did the couch to 5K walking and running; and then signed up for a couple of tris. One is at the end of June and is a short sprint (400 yd swim, 12 mile bike and 2 mile run). My second tri is middle of August (800 yd swim, 18 mile bike and 5 k run). I was having a terrible time trying to figure out what training plan to follow and just decided to quit worrying about it and follow the 13 week sprint plan.

But how do you train for 2 different events? I mean - i will be at the end of the 13 week plan by the time i do the short tri. So what do I do between June and August? I'm so new to this that thinking too much really screws me up. So I just need direction - do this and I seem to be OK.

Mary