kaburns1214 Mentor Group 2011 Part 2 - CLOSED (Page 21)

Some wetsuit brands / models are better than others.  I swear by Blue seventy (I have both an axis full sleeve and sleeveless).  My opinion is that its worth paying for a more expensive wetsuit that fits well because you wont be back looking for a new one after a few swims. The only problem is my sleeveless is a bit too large (its a WL while my full sleeve is a WML). 

What do you think of the two piece (I've heard really good things about the De Soto two piece)?

Not much you can do.  Wear a garbage bag or throw away rain jacket to stay warm at the start and make sure you put some body glide on your feet to help with blisters.  Also bring warm, dry clothes for the finish.  You going to get wet (but so is everyone else). 

I'm curious about the two piece as well.  I actually had to get a men's because of my height, and considered a two piece but wasn't sure about it.  Let us know what you think.

Its always good to try wetsuits on if you can.  I find the sizing charts to be a bit inaccurate.

I don't really have an image that I use for inspiration when I'm training or racing, but I always think of the song "Dog Days are Over" by Florence and the Machine.  I love that song!  It makes me so happy.  Her voice is kick ace, too.  If you've never heard of her, check her out on Youtube.  She's a little eccentric (and I like that), and her voice is killer.   

I'm trying to figure out what to do with my training today. Really....it's supposed to be an easy 3 mile run or day off (recovery week).  It's so nice outside though.  Feel like I ought to take the bike out for an hour of easy riding (despite the strong winds).  Hmm....

As for the rest of the weekend.......1000 m time trail in the pool early Saturday morning.  Then on Sunday I have my last long run before my half next weekend.  It's supposed to rain all weekend, but I'm hoping that changes.  12 miles on the treadmill sounds like torture.  Seriously. 

What do you all have planned for the weekend?

Took advantage of 70 degree weather, and had my longest ride ever. 40.3 miles. I had to ride past my house to the end of the road and come back, because I was determined to get to 40. It was wicked windy here. I was very happy to see that I averaged 18.8 mph up until mile 35. The majority of the last 5 miles were climbing, and it kills my speed every time. My volume is still low for this week. Kids sports, etc. But I get so much out of coaching my kids!!

2,984 feet of climbing.  Serious question, I know that is not considered a flat loop/course, but is it considered "hilly" or "technical" for 40 miles?   Or is that not possible to answer.

And I am really getting sick of being chased by dogs and running over smashed Bud Light bottles.  I thought being hit by a car was going to be my biggest issue.  Got chased by large mixed breed dog, this time, on a flat heading into a climb.  He just about nipped my foot.  I yelled at the guy in the yard "tie up your F'ing dog".  Then realized, ooops, I should have kept my mouth shut.  You never know how people are going to react.  I just don't understand why people let their dogs roam.  That clearly was not the first time this dog has done that.  OK, I'm done venting.

Depends what you used to measure the climbing.  If the measurement is accurate, its hilly.  If its from a Garmin or map my ride, its likely a big over estimate so its hard to tell (Garmins are notoriously bad).

Did a brick today felt tired the whole ride and my legs didn't start feeling good until the second mile of the run. I guess we will see what tomorrow will bring. 

Hey, if I don't jump on again this weekend I hope all you moms have a great mothers day!

squirt the pooch with your water bottle and he wont botehr you.  2900 is a solid climb.  not super huge but its work.  no way to tell if it is technical: were tehre lots of turns, stops, gearing changes?  if so is would be technical.

Or mace, but I'd feel bad doing that to a dog.  As for technical, there were not a lot of sharp turns, but there were plenty of fun rolling gradual turns.  Made for a fun ride, but 41 miles def whooped my butt.

Yes Kelly, that came from the Garmin.  That's all I have to measure it with. 

dont use mace, squirt bottle is sufficient - nice ride.

Lara bars, most only have 3 ingredients and the peanut butter cookie is amazing!  I use them as an afternoon snack at work, and use the 1/2 size bars they give away at races for long bike rides.  Whole Foods sometimes has sales on them, so I will buy a case or two when on sale.

Lara bars are really good snack bars (their low glycemic and only have real ingredients).  That being said, be careful about using them on the bike.  Because of the nuts they have a fairly high fat content, which could cause GI problems on the run. 

Usually when training I try to stay away from anything with fat or protein as it adversely affects me on the run. 

Good point, I wouldn't run after eating a Lara Bar.  They just taste so good when out riding for a long time and I enter the valley of darkness.

Speaking of - I'm heading out this morning on a 65ish mile ride today with a couple of friends.  A new route so it should be fun.

What does everyone else have planned for the day?

I swam my 1000 meter time trial this morning in 19:10 (1:46 / 100 yds.).  A little bummed about that time.  I think I can do better.  I'll do the test in another month to see if I've progressed at all. 

Is the 19:10 average? 

Thanks, all!

Playing with the kids for the rest of the day and cooking out tonight.  12 mile run in the morning and it better be nice outside!  I can't take the treadmill anymore. 

I'll take this as a compliment, thank you very much.  Oh I forgot whatever song I had playing prior to heading to the starting line.  Usually "The Road Goes on Forever" by Robert Earl Keen.  Yep, definitely Texan.

40 miles today.  Held just over a 20 mph pace.  We're getting there.  Slowly but surely.  Oh the other way to know you're in Texas... I forgot my 2nd bottle today.  About mile 27 I stopped at a convenience store in a fairly rural area outside Houston.  They had a gas station, normal convenience store fare, and a butcher shop w/ meat counter.  They had all kind of smoked sausages and were cutting up a fresh side of cow when I walked in.  Wish I had a backpack.

Nice on holding that speed for that long.  And I can see you carrying half a cow on your bike.  Only in Texas!!!

Just a quick 5.3 mile run early this morning.  Had to get to tee ball, and then sprint to soccer.  Now I have two kids birthdays to attend, back to back. 

Looks like I will have to get up super early tomorrow and ride, so I am sure not to disturb mothers day. I'll be back before they wake!!

Happy Mothers day to all the Mom's!!