CBarnes - Second time mentor - Full (Page 2)

Cool, I am glad you can see the training, wasn't to sure. Yes, I am using the 16 week sprint-2x 16 training schedule.

OK - Let me see if I got this straight...is this our group???

Group Leader
CBarnes Clifford Gilmer, TX

Members
mvblb Brenda San Jose, CA
MelH Mel Kalispell, ?
johnkav John Greensboro, NC
bworkman Bonny Longview, TX
esc Emily ?


I just want to be sure I have our group correct...please make edits as you see fit.

I'm in Montana... Kalispell is in the northwest corner, near Glacier National park. 1 hour south of Canada, 4 hours east of Spokane WA.

I'm frustrated!!

I'm changing my training plan...

Currently, I'm in week 2 of the "Sprint - 2x Balanced - 20 Week" plan, and I'm really struggling with the swim... struggling so bad that I'm not getting ANY actual swim minutes logged. I also picked up a small foot injury in the 5K I ran last weekend, so I'm not able to do any running....

I start swim lessons Jan 7th... I'm going to keep working on the breathing part of the swim (I can't exhale with face in the water), and I'm going to let my foot heal.

I'll start the plan again February 1st. That will give me the 20 weeks until my first tri (June 15th). There's a 12K I want to do May 4th also (Bloomsday - Spokane, WA).

In the meantime, I'm going to continue hitting the gym - spinning on the bikes, working the machines for abs/chest/back/shoulders, do a month of swim lessons, etc. Start running again as soon as my foot is better.

There... that feels better!


ps. I added all of you as friends on my training plan 'blog'. Thanks for all of your encouragement!

Mel - DON'T get discouraged! The swim can be a challenge! The good part is that January 7th is really not that far away, and gives you ample time for the season ahead. Your plan seems like a good one. The breathing was hard for me as well when I started! I swam my first length of 25 yards, and was holding on the edge huffing and puffing so hard! It was that moment I can remember thinking ...."Why did I sign up for this triathlon? I should do the bowl a thon like the others!"

Oh - and as I was training, I changed my mind DAILY it seemed on what I thought was the weakest event...after a bad run I would think - I CAN'T EVEN RUN - after a bike ride where I had a bad wreck...I CAN'T RIDE...and that was how I was the whole 7 weeks!

But - it got better. Seven weeks later I was able to do my first triathlon swim of 250yds nonstop with freestyle. I think the breathing is the hardest part! Baby steps is the best way...i was trying to do it all at first...bilateral breathing every three strokes...oh, and LONG strokes...don't bend the knees....head down, go straight....FINALLY - I had to do baby steps. LOL. You are doing the right thing taking lessons. Oh - and sometimes just VENTING helps...that is why we are here!

Yes, Mel, I am also challenged by the swim. I have been swimming 3 months about 2 times per week. I have just gotten to the point where I can swim freestyle for 50 yards without stopping. Do not get discouraged. We have all winter to get better.

John

Clifford,
I have enjoyed reading your log on the training site(gold members). My only comment is that I think you should be including some stretching in your routine. You have ambitious plans for 2008 and I am a big believer that stretching helps prevent injuries.

John

Bonny,
Thanks for the encouraging words about my race. I use a polar 625LX for both the bike and the run. It works well for me. It does not have the gps like I think the garmin does.

John

Looking at the logs it looks like a good week by nearly all of us keep the training coming and it is a good idea to note any key issues or events of the training day things like (that hill a 1.2 miles made me walk half way up) Or ( that hil I used to walk half way up I ran up today)  Also note pain lack of pain gear forgoten and overal feelings this will be a big help next year when you are jusging your progress

Starting...

I guess my milestone is being able to swim 50 yards without stopping.

This whole year really has been a milestone with ANYTHING to do with triathlons for me...I did my first one.... wow...100miles...that is great!!!!

Bonny,
Yes, that was a milestone for me also-first triathlon in August

How is everyone doing out there? I am excited for Clifford - he has his marathon coming up next week....

I was briefly participating in the December pushups/situps challenge on another part of this forum. I didn't get into the routine and unfortunately slacked off.. been regretting it..

I'm committing to 1400 pushups and situps in the month of January. That's just a little over 45 each per day. I'll be logging them on my training calendar.

I've also always wanted to be able to do pullups - so I'm going to master them in January also.


Anyone want to join me? What's your total goals for January?



Mel

Hey Mel - it seems Clifford has something going on with pushups...maybe he will join you? Oh, and the total number of pullups I can do? Five. LOL. And that was BEFORE my last child...I have not tried lately. I do pullups as part of my regular back routine, but I use the assist machine.

Your goals sound great though. I am currently working in another direction, and that is speed in all of my disciplines.

Mel,
I am still thinking about the challenge. Usually when I do something like that I overdo it and get hurt. However, pull ups is something I am really weak on. So maybe I can do something in that area.

John

Bonny and I both have our first OWS in April(Bonny-April 12th; me-April 18th. I am scared to death. Any insight on preparing for this would be appreciated.

John

Oh, I got a wetsuit for Christmas and was greatly challenged getting it on.

No insight, but similar apprehensions...

John - the first time I put on my wetsuit it was a wrestling match, and I was sure I bought one too small, even though I bought one bigger than recommended...the 2nd time was much better...look at posts on BT about putting on the suit...

Congratulations on your Marathon today Clifford! Way to go!!!