Manatee Express Mentor Group - closed (Page 2)

Fellow Triathletes,

     This was a good week for training as I had some spare time on my hands with only one college course being active.  I was able to get 3 rides in totaling 83 miles, 2 runs equalling 6.5 miles (Missed the long run), two swim sessions totalling 3900 yards, and two strength sessions with some CORE work.  This coming week should be almost identical to last week with three planned bike rides (Love being on a tropical island in the South China sea), three runs (2 rather short and 1 long run), 2 or 3 swim sessions, and another 2 or 3 strength training sessions. All together I think I totalled 10 hours of training which is a really good week for me.  Although I have to admit that I might take it easy with the strength training on the legs as anyone that has ever done squats knows that it takes a couple of days before they feel fully recovered. 

     I would really like to know if anyone has truly seen big improvements from strength training on the lower body.  My legs are so sore that I feel as if I may be doing more damage than good when I run or bike before they are recovered fully.  Best of luck to all in the upcoming week and remember that procrastination is the root of all evils.

Chip 

Just pulled the heart rate monitor from it's box today!  I love gadgets.  I will be using it once I figure it out.  I don't think it will be that hard.

I did my first LSR today. 4.5 miles and I feel really good, just worn out.  I need to include more swims in my training as well.

One question.  I think getting to 10 miles is a realistic goal.  I was planning on focusing on distance in the beginning and then work on speed after.  Is this a good idea or should I include a "tempo/speedplay" workout in once a week right now?

Thank you!

Jen

Ken and gang,

    What a week.  I hit almost every goal that I set for the week with the exception of my swim on Sunday, some days the tank is full and other days its getting close to E.  Here are my stats for the week:

Swim  -  5400 yds

Bike    -  100.6 miles (3 rides)

Run     -  18.73 ( 2 easy runs, 1 fast run, and one long run) 

    This coming week is a little different as I am going out with a small group on Tuesday to ride a Century (100 miles) with a little bit on the end to get home.  I am going to take Monday off and eat like a horse to fuel up for the ride.  Wednesday will be business as usual and back on my plan if I am not too sore from the ride. 

    In response to question about the bike I currently own a 2006 Felt F4C with a set of Profile Design Carbon GT aerobars.  The bike is pretty stock other than the aerobars but I am looking at picking up another set of wheels.

    I wish everyone a great week of training and keep putting one foot in front of the other one. 

All,

 I own some thing you might call a bike ...hehe...it's a Wal-Mart special ! I picked up years ago when the wife and I used to trail ride for fun on the weekends before we had the kiddo's!  Anyway - its a trail/offroad bike - shocks on the front and offroad tires.  I explained the need to the wife about getting a new bike for the Tri's - nuthin too expensive but a bit better then what I currently own, at least road worthy - maybe considering a hybrid as well.  Now - the wife coverted her trail bike into a hybrid with ease, she has no shocks on hers so all she did was find some street slicks, clip on pedals and she was good to go.  I convinced her to ride this bike in her 1st tri - if she was planning on pursuing more - then we would look at investing in a new and more tri -appealing bike.  Well - now I am lookin at that as well - any advice on bikes is welcome - I do not want to dump a ton of money into new bikes for her and myself, just want to find a good deal on a decent road or hybrid that will not break the bank so to speak.  I saw a couple of decent hybrids here at a local sports store, they looked nice, from  what I could tell and I am no bike expert, they were made by Diamondback, which I know I used to ride those back when I was a kid and Diamondback, Mongoose, and some others were the crim dela crim back in those days...not sure about today.  I know Trek makes good bikes...there are so many to choose from these days...Cannondale...etc..where to start!!  My price range ..well..considering I am just entering this sport...I cannot justify investing alot of money in a bike...so...where should I start?  I would like to keep in right at $500 or less to be honest....all I need is a bare bones bike to get the job done..I do not need all the bells and whistles.....ya know. Aluminum frame is preferred due to the weight factor..and the basics, Shimano shifters, etc...I have toe cage pedals already so I plan on just sticking with those for my 1st race and I am used to them..even though you get more pull out of clip ons from what I have herd....that's about it..so yep..I am in the market for a new bike.......I am all ears. 

:-)

Ken and Gang,

 Well - I completed my VO2 test today and I was pleasantly surpised.  My calculations for what my max HR and so forth as been right on - thanks to Ken and many others who pointed out where and what I should be attempting to accomplish starting off.  My anaerobic threshold is at about 160 to 165 - so  I was correct and have been making sure I keep my HR down below that level when training - the race I ran this weekend has been the exception - I was in the 170 range through the race - but I felt strong and never like I was on the verge of quitting.  My overall physical condition based upon the test today and my recent change in living ( quitting smoking ) was fair - and rightly so - so I am pleased with my results.  The trainer I spoke with said I was in good shape and as long as I kept my HR in check that I was going to do just fine.  She also stated that my HR based on my age and build etc was actually right on the average so I was not hi or low on any scale - so - she basically stated and confirmed that my numbers were right on the money!  Here are my zones for training according to the test resuslts below - I was glad when she told me I was done - running on treadmill and with the Darth Vadar mask on was not fun  - I am used to running outside, with no obstruction over my mouth for breathing....needless to say. as she increased the speed and incline  - I started to breathe a lil more - and time I got to about where I feel like I have nothing left she said I was done...whew ..glad to hear that!!  She said I had a really good test reading, my HR went up gradually as expected and all the graphs showed the same, my HR, CO2 , and O2 use all were in sync.  I recommend getting this done to anyone that has any questions about max HR and where your limit is...very useful info!

Low zone - HR: 92-138 - Calories per hr : 142-637

Moderate Zone -HR: 138-155  Cal per hr: 637-845

High Zone - HR: 155-163 Cal per hr: 845-932

Peak Zone- HR: 163-165  Cal per hr: 932-961

PapaHawk,

       It is great to hear that you have the family thing going on as I am trying to get my wife to get the Tri bug so we can experience the races together.  In regards to finding a bike on the economical side of things, I hate the word cheap, I would recommend doing this.  I would get fitted by a local bike shop so that you know your measurements and then looking at eBay because there are alot of good deals out there.  You know the saying that "One man's trash is another man's treasure".  Not literally speaking of course.  If you are looking to buy new and don't want to invest a lot of cash I would look at BikesDirect.com as they have some deals that you cannot believe sometimes.  They are some knock off brands but they come with very good component groups that you can use on another bike frame if the Tri bug bites you hard enough.  My two cents worth on getting a Tri bike.  Good luck with your search.  You have to get fitted though and that is the most important thing that I can stress.  I learned the hard way and a couple of grand later things are much better. 

Chappy,

 Thanks for the info will def look into those sites and get fitted for a bike if I need to know for sure what size frame I need, I do not mind a knock-off brand or a used bike either....

Thanks

PAPA