Swimmer's Group (Olympic Distance Animals) - OPEN (Page 2)

The Monday is optional, and the workouts aren't all gut busting, but I appreciate the heads up. I am goint to just give it a whirl and if I need to cut back, I certainly will. Besides, I actually enjoy most of these things, which I think makes it easier to convince myself to do it :-)

All I can do is tri, right?

Thanks for having me along for the ride...  I will keep you all posted on the 7 days a week bit.. :-)

This mentor group must be working already!   I just ran my fastest 5k in training!   30:44 Not fast for this group I'm sure, but I am improving....

Strength training next.  Could not wait to post the update...

I average 31 minutes in a 5 km... so faster than me :-)

On a different note, swam 1100 in about 35 minutes. Just practiced some technique, relaxed pace. I did log it though and that is the important part. :-)

Congrats!

It's such a drug, going a bit faster each time.  Worse than crack - keeps you coming back for more!!

Matt

x2

You have to be careful, though, or next thing you know you'll be riding with a power meter and running and swimming with a 910 and logging everything - even shoveling the driveway! (guilty - couldn't resist a "King of the Driveway" post on Strava)  

Really though, I've found it helpful over the last year that I've been back to actual training (rather than just jogging about) to track progress or lack thereof (and where to then focus).  And it's so easy to do now, that I don't really even think about it (and upload to BT, Strava, Garmin Connect and TP).

I have an anaerobic bike workout (60-90' of pain) and then an easy 30-45' run today.  Oh yeah, and eventually have to go to work, too!

Matt

Way to go Greg!! All these little victories are so satisfying and encouraging!

Irene there is something really satisfying about posting workouts!! As Jason mentioned they are great for tracking progress and are very useful for planning as well. I too have to deviate from my plan to make it all pan out as life/work gets in the way but if I didn't have a plan I know I wouldn't accomplish everything I needed to be able to race well!

Jason, enjoyed the blog as always! You have a couple of handsome "fur babies" there! Next week is a recovery/taper week for me and I must admit I am looking forward to it! I am sure looking forward to reading that race report in a couple of weeks!

Mostly pleased with my training results although I do wish my run was a bit better. I am confident it will improve throughout the summer as we have just been able to get outside these past couple of weeks. Well having said that I have a friend who ran outside all winter so I guess maybe I am a fair weather exerciser! Must be getting soft in my old age! Sigh! :D

Happy training everyone!          Howard

Hello!

Thank you everyone for the encouragement re: logging the workouts. I will try to do this. I wil try to do this. I will try to do this. :-)

On a side note, I looked at the results from my age group (30-39) in the triathlon I plan to compete in (I cannot believe I used the word compete and olympic triathlon in the same setnence referring to me!!!!). I am a bit worked up. The slowest person was a sub 4 hour time. And the fastest was a sub 3:30 minute hour time. My goal was a sub 4 hour time. Now I feel like this will leave me behind in the dust! I am having a little freak out moment.

My book says the goal is to finish and forget setting a time. But my inner type A personality is all about "It's on like Donkey Kong". So.. I have a conflict. I did my super sprint in 52 minutes and change, which the swim would have been under 6 if I didn't get held up in the lane behind a lsower swimmer. The run I am at a 10:30 minute km pace (sorry, don't know the mile conversion), but would love to make that quicker. At my best I am a 10:16 minute per km pace. The bike.. well.. I am 65 cadance with very little training. I did 38 km on a similar course with a friend last year (for giggles) in a 1 hour 38 minute time.

So.. Now I am freaking out a little.. What is a reasonable time for the very first oly?

Irene

I jumped in to the Build 1 phase (so, "skipped" Prep, and Base 1, 2, 3 - as I hadn't even bought the book then!). 

For the 2 Build phases, it's 9:15 to 16:15 hours/week, depending on how many of the optional workouts you do (11 core, 5 additional optional ones).  The 2 weeks of Peak then go to 8:55-13:30 (13-16 workouts) and 7-11:30 hours (12-16 workouts), with the race week taper being 3:55-5:25 plus race time (12-14 workouts, plus race).

So, it's a decent amount of volume for yours truly - especially with kids, work, wife, dogs, life, etc...    But, I'm going to use it as my base and modify to make it work - like adding in a HM with Kim in a few weeks (pacing her, not racing it) and a bunch of shorter races and such.

Matt

Drew, great to see another East Coaster!!! I'm from Lancaster, Pa so we are basically neighbors! SavageMan is a great race, although it is also a hard race, mainly speaking to the bike. It is definitely not as hard as the 70.0 distance, but still has so climbs. I would recommend you climb and then climb some more while doing your bike training. As far as open water swimming goes, definitely get out there at least once if not more and practice in a open water setting. It will give you the confidence you need. My advice get at least 1 if not more people and take them with you. If you want to simulate a triathlon start/swim then swim very closely together and "run"into each other! Well I'm off to play in a golf tournament this morning. No, I am not a good golfer, but it was an excuse to get out of work for the day!

Jason--I did my shortened, 2300 yard swim today as part of 1st week's taper and it just feels like I should be doing more (I know not to though).

Too bad our race is on the same day or else you could borrow my 5-gallon bucket for transitions.

SELF CONTROL DAVID!!!! haha I just got back from a 35 minute run with a couple 1 minute efforts. I feel the same though, no matter how many years I have been doing this and know what is right to do, your body and mind keep telling you I want MORE!!! But keep to the schedule and guaranteed you will be glad you did come race day! I am starting to feel really fresh and legs starting to come around and not feel heavy like during most training weeks. 

Do you have room for one more?

Name:  Marcus

Background: I am 38 years old (39 in triathlon years) and this is my third season of training any my second season of races. I started this quest in hopes of making a better, more fit, healthier me and so far it has been paying off.  I am the healthiest version of me to date and still improving.

Family Status: I am married for almost 7 years to the most supportive and caring wife. If it wasn't for her support I would not be able to do any of these things.   We have two kids, one daughter that is 3 1/2 and a son that is 2 1/2 months.

Current Training: I am currently training 7 days a week on a 3 week cycle.  My third week is a recovery week, during which I sometimes take one day off.  My weekly routine consists of 2 swim, 2 bike, 2 strength and 4 runs (one long run with 3 short/medium runs). 

2013 Races:  This year I plan to do four triathlons, Birchwood lakes sprint -June (local as in a bike ride to the start, how can I say no to that), NJ State Tri Olympic -July (this will be my first Olympic), Medford Lakes Sprint -Aug (another local race) and the AC Olympic in September. Plus a handful of local 5ks and 1/2 Marathon in November. 

Weight loss:  I am not focusing on weight loss, but could use losing 10 or so lbs to be leaner.

If you're still accepting mentees, I'd love to join. 

NAME: Wes Knuth

STORY: Located in Southern California. I'm 28 years old, and this has been the first year where I've signed up for more than one race.  I've completed 4 sprints over the last 3 years, and have signed up for two olympic distance races and another sprint for the remainder of 2013.  I originally was interested in Tri's as a challenge, a way to push myself and take myself out of my comfort zone.  Over the last few years I've dropped 50lbs, and am continuing to get closer to a healthier weight.  I'm looking to improve all aspects of my performance, with a specific focus on becoming a more comfortable swimmer and more efficient rider. 

FAMILY STATUS: Engaged (wedding Oct 2013), one French Bulldog (Ponzu) 

CURRENT TRAINING: My work schedule is challenging (6am-7pm), I’m able to do short evening workouts. I do 2x swims a week (2000m or so), 2x bike rides (40miles), 3x runs (~15 miles), and one night of circuit training focused on running intervals.  

PAST RACES: UCLA Iron Bruin Sprint 2011, 2012, 2013. Pasadena Sprint Triathlon 2013.

2013 RACES:  Bonelli Park Triathlon Olympic Distance June 8^th, Ventura Breath of Life Olympic June 22^nd, Malibu Sprint Triathlon Sept 8^th.

WEIGHTLOSS: I’m 5’11, weighed 248lbs in 2010, about 30lbs by beginning of 2013, and another 20lbs to my current weight of 197. I’m hoping to continue to drop another 15lbs over the next several months. 

Did a 5.75 miler with Kim (better half) at her HM race pace (well, she might have pushed closer to a tempo run - she's like that) this morning.  

As much as I LOVE to run with her, I think tonight's workout might have taken the cake for the best workout of the day.  Just finished an OWS at Walden Pond!  First OWS of the season.  First OWS at Walden.  Sun showers and pure awesomeness!

That is all.

Matt

 Hey Jason, would love to continue this journey with you guys.

NAME: Felicity

STORY:  I decided when I turned 40 that I wanted to do a triathlon. At that point (2years ago), I was in the process of doing C25K having never run before and also needing to lose about 12kgs. Now I have lost about 15kgs and have done a few running events.  I work full time in Educational Development for Nurses and Midwives, which is a job that can churn the grey matter. I have had some massive improvements since Nov taking over 6mins of my first ever sprint tri time. I have also gone from running 5km in 36mins in Oct 2011 to doing 28:19 about a week ago. I still do not really like running.

FAMILY STATUS: Married with 3 kids (11, 10, 3), a dog (maltese cross), and cat.

CURRENT TRAINING: I try to train each day and do a variety of things. Currently doing Spin classes 1-2 times a week. Cycle outside when I can. Swim has been a bit light on and now its getting cold in Australia I am reluctant to go out in 20c water in my wetsuit (but know I should), so I am doing laps in the 25m indoor heated pool.

I have concentrated more on running as this is what I am no good at. Currently doing 1x 10km run, 1 x interval session, 1x 5km run (time trial). I also do a strength session a week.  

PAST RACES: Womens Sprint Tri Nov 2012, Nowra Sprint Tri Jan 2013, Newcastle Triathlon Feb 2013(aquathlon due to unsafe riding conditions),  Womens short triathlon (duathlon due to unsafe water), Women's Sprint Triathlon April 2013

2013 RACES:  Cairns June 2nd Olympic

WEIGHTLOSS: As per above have lost 15kg, and want to drop 2 more before Cairns. That will make me the same weight I was when I started backpacking in 1997.