Allison and Ryan's Beginner Mentor Group - FULL (Page 21)

Well, Memorial Day weekend put a crimp in my training, that's for sure.  Spent 1/2 Thursday and 1/2 Friday driving to Texas.  Ate a lot.  Then spent 1/2 Sunday and 1/2Monday sitting on my butt and driving back.

I was able to get two runs in but both relatively short.  Perhaps running in 90+ degree weather in the middle of the day with high humidity is not the wisest of ideas.

I was able to get another open water swim in though.  My sister-in-law lives on a lake and my wife was able to stay on a kayak with me while I practiced.  Not sure how far I went, I was more using it as an opprotunity to continue acclimating myself with OWS.  I "think" it was around 400m total.  The swim went MUCH better than my first experience.  Visibility was zero but I was able to remain calm-ish and got my form going.  I think I also figured out why it feels like I'm working so much harder in open water versus the pool.  Simply put, because I am. In the pool I can look at the tile, lane markers, and other things and I get a sense of motion.  Out in the open water I don't have that and sometimes it just feels like I'm swimming in place. So I swim faster...

I just need to tell myself to relax, swim my normal place, and that I'll get there...eventually.

So sorry to hear about losing your father. That's tough mentally and emotionally which can really hamper the "will" to push yourself.  One of things that I really like about what I'm doing is I'm getting SOOOO much support.. not only on here but guys at the Y (going running with the running club tonight).. I got a lot of support during my "race" because many from the church knew where I'd been and what I've set out to do.  We'll all try to keep you honest, but believe me, the endorphin rush after a hard workout will remind you about the UP side.  Go out, push yourself really hard in the pool if you are having issues with your calf, get that HR up and relish in how you feel afterwards.  And then look forward to the next one!! 

Dan - I'm so sorry about your dad.

I'm the worst at motivating other people, but your kind words early in our group really helped me alot, so let me return some kind words... I think that working out as a goal to running a triathlon is a great motivator. I also know that as you start on that journey, the path itself becomes its own reward. I have learned to not beat myself up about any part of it (thanks in part to YOU). A good day, a missed day - they all contribute to a bunch of better days, as long as you don't stop.

So just don't stop.

To everyone else - I just wanted to take a minute to say THANKS to everyone. For their inspiring stories (20 miles after pneumonia!) and great advice (Jeannie -the stretches and exercises are helping my knee ). I'm happy to be going on vacation - although there was a moment when I thought I would be better off scheduling until after the race... but life is just as important as a race and with some great thoughts from everyone, I can still train. I'm heading to the ocean, so maybe I could even get in an open water swim!

Have a great couple weeks -

Mary

dnoble

Sorry for the loss of your father.  I imagine your life has been crazy with all the travel.  My mom died last fall and I still struggle with it.   Prayers to you.

Jean

I also struggled with a calf issue.  I tried many things. The stick seemed to slightly help.  It finally got better when I switched to five finger shoes.  I wore them last year, but put them away for the winter.    I am rather shocked and thrilled that my calf is totally better.  I thought I was going to have to struggle through my races this year and rest it for a month this winter.  Of course, you can't just switch to them you have to start very slowly because you run differently while wearing them.

I have no idea if this would help you or not, but thought I would mention it.   

First workout after the Memorial Day vacation and it was tough.  It was tough to get motivated. Tough to get going. Tough in the heat. Tough to keep going. And tough to finish.

It's amazing how much a short break can mentally set you back. That and all the long weekend barbequing probably didn't help.

Still, did a 10/2 brick today.  Debating the swim. Lost quite a few workouts over the weekend.

Sorry for your loss dnoble.  My thoughts are with you and your family.

That sounds like an interesting book to read.  Chicago is not as hot as St. Louis but the humidity can take awhile to get used to. But later in the summer my body finally starts to become acclimated.  And remember to try to have at least a little fun while training

Great race Viking! How does it feel to finish your first 5k?? They get easier from here It sounds like you worked hard toward your goal and achieved it basically.  Now on to your next race in August

Thanx!  It felt great!  I kind of new where I was in my conditioning and especially in my running, but I didn't anticipate having that numbing issue with my left foot.  I got so much support, and when I finished, my one friend who's been following my progress came up and asked me what my goal was.. I told him I missed it by 28 seconds.  He looked at me, and said "make up the 28 seconds on your new goal for the next race"..  The feeling of accomplishment for doing something for the first time is amazing.  I ran with the YMCA running club last night and when people found out that I had just run my first 5k, they were pumped and started telling me stories of their first 5k..  To a man, they did say it definitely gets easier...

No shame in that, some say if you don't puke at the end of a race you didin't try hard enough...  Worked the annual 10k here and you don't want to be put near the finish line if you are a sympathetic barfer...

Hello all! Had a great 6 mile run this morning then I went out on a 20 mile bike ride which ended up just being 11 miles due to a flat tire I acquired Totally messed up my lunch hour plan. Oh well it happens. Hope everyone is having a better training day!

Well yet another set back for me. I was just informed my Race on the 12 of June has been cancelled

Guess I will try and find another to fill it's spot.

sucks that the race got canceled.

So my next "big" purchase in the tri world is going to be bike computer, I don't need anything too fancey but does anyone have any suggestions would like to have one that does cadence but not too worried about gps or the like.  Don't want to spend more than 100 if that much any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated.

Heat is still killing me, have done nothing since my race need to get back into training and soon.

Yeah I like the Cateye wireless with Cadence and recommend it!

Did 4 mile run with intervals this morning. UGH speedwork LOL

Happy Training everyone!

4miles for me too but definitely not speed. :P 

Man, I sweat so much during my run it looks like I pee'd my pants when I'm done.

Whoohoo! Broke the 2:00 mark in my swim finally.  1500yards 29:53 = 1:59/100yards.  Now if I can get that to below 2:00 /100m...

Thanks guys!

Well the surprises keep coming! Went for an evening ride, partially to make up for the break over the weekend and partially to get the miles in.  Wasn't expecting much especially since I had already done a run this morning and a high effort swim in the afternoon. 

I had left the bike in the high gear after my last ride and only realized it as I got on to ride.  I was actually surprised how easily and quickly I was able to get up to speed in that gear and sort of just left it there. Probably stayed in that gear 80% of the ride and only shifted down one or two gears at most (rolling hills only, no hard climbs).  My cadence was a bit lower than normal and I wasn't pushing too hard but still managed to average 21.25mph for the 17miles.  Pretty pleased with my performance today. 

I just hope I don't peak too early before my event!