ADollar79's Group--closed and in the base building phase! (Page 2)

Drew--

This all depends on what YOU want to do with your body.  I understand your love for weight lifting and you are well aware of the discussions that are going on ad nausem in the forums.  I don't take a position on the argument outside do what you enjoy and what makes you happy.  Prioritize based on what you want to do. 

What I do want to add is that I have a friend who has transformed his body over the past two years from a thick body building clydesdale to a Kona qualifier.  He had that same drive.  He understood how to turn his ripped physique and power into a speed machine.  Last year he raced and won most clyde divisions.  This year, he nearly finished his transformation (down from about 225 to 185) and finished sub-10 at Ironman Coeur d'Alene and finished just over 10 hours at Kona.  You would never know from meeting him that he could throw down a sub 3 marathon.  He is currently the top ranked age grouper in the southeast for 30-34 men.  I only wish he were on BT. 

If you would have told me that he was a triathlete two years ago, I would have laughed.  He didn't have the long, lean look.  Well I didn't laugh when he lapped me at Ironman and got to race with the best on the Big Island.  All this goes to show that you should never discredit yourself.  Granted, this may not be your current goal, but I think he would tell you, he never thought he would race in Kona when he got into this sport. 

I guess I can answer these too....

1.  What do you want from this mentoring group?

• I simple look forward to helping newcomers learn more about the sport and watching each of your progress toward your goals. 

2.  What do you believe is your ONE largest obstacle in the coming season and how do you plan on overcoming it?

• I feel that I am making a large leap in the tri world by taking on two HUGE races.  My biggest concern is staying injury free.  I really need to learn to listen to my body more and not be so stubborn.  If the body says rest...do it.

3.  What motivates you?  How do you motivate yourself on those bad days?  How can I help motivate you more? 

• During Ironman training, I bookmarked all the great youtube videos of Ironmans.  Many times I would watch those.   I would also read other people's race reports for added motivation.  I had constant reminders all over my apartment and at work that kept me mentally engaged. 

4.  Complete the following statement: "I would be a better triathlete (athlete) if _______"

• I would learn to train with more intensity.  I suffer from the comfort zone training problem.  I can stick in heartrate z2 for hours without being labored.  I need to learn to step it up and push myself more from an intensity rather than a distance perspective. 

Here is a brief run down on Shimano components (I don't know Campy or SRAM as well....yet). 

Dura-Ace (DA)
Ultegra
105
Tiagra
Sora

The rule of thumb that I hear is that you want at least 105 (not to say that your bike is in trouble if you have Tiagra or Sora).  There appears to be a bit of a distinction at that point. 

My experience:  My road bike has 105 components all over.  My tri-bike has full Dura-Ace (minus brakes).  Is there a difference?  Yes.  Is it worth $1200?  Yes, for the level of tri bike I have.  I still ride my road bike without any problem.   I am currently shopping around for a new bike and will likely build it with Ultegra and some Dura Ace to save money. 

 I will admit that things like components and the general language of bikes is one of the most intimidating aspects for beginners.  Please don't be afraid to ask simple questions!!!

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BT did a pretty decent article on this a while back and it is worth a read to familiarize yourself with the differences. 

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1017

Summary:  The higher the component the lighter the weight and more durable product you get.  Is it worth the extra cost?  No one can answer that. 

Here is another article recently released by Tom Demerly at BikeSport Michigan.  He compares Ultegra and Dura Ace.  His conclusion is that either can win a race.  If you have the money, spend it on the better component.  If not, you probably won't know the difference. 

https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/dura-ace-ultegra.shtml

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Regarding the bike buying decision--you really can't go wrong with either.  And props for you going to your LBS (where are you buying from?)and getting fitted and understand the process of purchasing a bike.  It is burdensome at times but will serve you well in the long run. 

I would say that if you have the money, make the upgrade.  The Ultegra will be a bit smoother and more durable...as will the wheels (Mavics are good)  However, if you have other needs that you think will serve you better, save the money and put them toward that (trainer, tri club, gear). 

At this point, go with your gut...

If you're on your Training Log page, under the Quick Links, click the Control Panel (the first one that looks like a window and a gear).  Click on the Friends tab and you can add everyone's name.

1. how many triathlons (or other events) have you done? and distances?

• A bunch of sprints
• A couple trail runs
• Some 5Ks
• A half mary

2. sports background if any...

• Skiing my whole life
• Rec swimming through HS

3. favorite non-endurance sport

SKIING

4. everyday breakfast vs triathlon day breakfast

Everyday breakfast is usually oatmeal, sometimes I substitute candy if it's one of those days, which is pretty popular lately.  On a race day, it's usually a Powerbar about an hour and a half before race start.  I'll need to re-evaluate as I start doing some longer distances.

1. how many triathlons (or other events) have you done? and distances?

7 Sprints

2 trail runs

3 5K's

1 10K
2. sports background if any...

Gymnastics all through my entire school time. Gave up about 3 years before leaving high school. Felt too old.  Swimming in general, no swim team or anything, pity. Hockey and trampolining in school!
3. favorite non-endurance sport

Hmm. I'm not sure if I have one.
4. everyday breakfast vs triathlon day breakfast

Depends. It's mostly toast and tea, piece of fruit.  

 1. how many triathlons (or other events) have you done? and distances?

5ks: Endless
Nude 5ks: 0  (Yes, there are such things and hope to get one this year!)
10ks: 3
Half Marathons: 1
Marathons: 0
Short course duathlons: 1
Long course duathlons: 1
Sprint Triathlons: 4
Olympic Triathlons: 1
Half Ironman: 2
Ironman: 1

2. sports background if any...

• I played football, baseball, track and cross country throughout high school.  In college I was deeply immersed in intramurals.   

3. favorite non-endurance sport

• dating?  Ha!   I would love to pick up golf and rock climbing in my spare fan. 

4. everyday breakfast vs triathlon day breakfast

• My normal breakfast consists of a small bowl of kashi cereal with skim milk along with a banana (if i have one).  I will also eat around 10 am.  That verys from a small granola bar to and apple, occasional some protein mix. 
• My race day nutrition is the same each time.  I have a whole wheat bagel with peanut butter and a banana.  One the way to the event I will sip on half an energy drink. 

The key with race day nutrition is to eat what you know works.  For instance, I know that I won't have GI (gastroenterology issues) if I eat that.  That being said, nutrition both pre and during the race is HIGHLY personal.  What works for me, might not work for you.   This is where practicing your nutrition is crucial (it is often the difference in longer races).

I will spend some time tonight pulling together some nutrition information and see what I can post. 

As the saying in CoJ goes, pics or it didn't happen...

If you click "Inspire Me" you can check in, leave words of encouragement, general banter, etc.

Why can't your neighor paint the walls while he's painting the ceiling? 

I'm in the other boat...I'm 28, still paying rent, and am so picky I can't find a place to buy.

Hi Andrew...Lurker Lou here...re: the above comment, yes, your "expertise" cracks everybody up...and the statement below (from the post above the one referencing your expertise) really captures the essence of who you are...  seriously, looks like you've got a great group...I'm thinking about joining you, Jonathan, and Mila in the mentor ranks (if Ron will have me...)  take care of your peeps!

 but I would prefer to keep this a bit more intimate so that we can casually discuss things

LAR!!!  Or Lou.  You are welcome as a lurker (because you are kinda creepy like that, lol).  Feel free to chime in from time to time too.  Goodness knows that if Ron gives YOU and Jonathan a forum then we are all in trouble!  

***and I am full of self-proclaimed expertise on topics!***

(for my group...Lou is a friend from ATL who likes to ride my wheel because he is SLOW). 

Nutrition....

http://www.e-caps.com/downloads/fuelinghandbook.pdf

This is one of my favorite reads and one that I review every few months.  I will admit that its a bit long 70 pages.  I do recommend printing it out somewhere and putting it in a folder.  Some chapters are more applicable than others. 

As a brief caveat, it is supplied by Hammer Nutrition and it does subliminally promote their products.   In life I am typically skeptical of research the promotes one's own products as I often question the validity of the data.  However, Hammer is one of the leading sponsors and largest nutritional suppliers in the tri world.  They do have a leg up on the competition and seem to be on the forefront of research. 

If you have time, take a look at a few chapters.  And we can discuss from there....