kenj mentor group - back for another great season! CLOSED (Page 21)

I have not read that book, but did see that it had some positive reviews.  I have the total immersion book and it has some good information and the drills are good.  For me though it was tough to learn from a book. 

Sometimes we move too quick and I need to go back as I miss a post or 2! 

Other than when I was recovering from the surgery, if you see a rest day on my schedule it is because I got sick or was on an airplane traveling cross country.  Taper will bring on a rest day too. BUT, this is a very individual thing.  You need to listen to your body and follow a reasonable plan.  A swim or a recovery effort bike or run works for me, but for others an entire day off is more appropriate. 

So, I don't think your plan is a bad one as long as you are good at reading yourself and knowing when you should rest. 

I read this based on the reviews also.  I would put in a Spoiler Alert, but Brian already gave up the big "Secret for Swimmers", its all about the pulling.  Its not that I disagree... Once you have really good form, swimming must be about the pull (also 100 little things, but Mostly about your pull).  It seemed like she was trying to prove this point to an audience that became so wrapped up in form that they forgot that at some point, you just need to be stronger to go faster.  I think this point could have been made in an article, but capitalism works.  The product placement (Halo(tm) dry land swim bench) also goes a bit far, bordering on an infomercial.  All that said, I'm glad I read it.  It's a pretty quick read and as soon as I was done, it got passed on and I got myself some swim cords to tie to a door in my office.  But not the more expensive ones that they were shilling for in this book.

I don't know your swim background, but I got a lot of help watching the Total Immersion DVDs and they are on netflix (not streaming).  I also took a couple of lessons, and get tips at Masters.  Its not individual lessons, but it helps.  With form, self help only goes so far, and like Ken (I think it was Ken) said, its good to have someone look at your stroke.  Take any of this for what it is worth from a BOP swimmer.

Morning and happy Saturday!

One of the downsides (at least for me) is the winter race series don't start till 10 am.  I guess it is to allow the streets to be cleaned if it snows or maybe warm up some.  Anyhow, leaving shortly for the race!

How is everyone else doing this weekend?  I hope you east coasters are taking advantage of the nice weather!

Ugh.  12 degrees this morning in New Mexico.  I wimped out on my run but did ride the trainer, briefly.  Now it's off to work.    If you've got a weekend, enjoy it double for me!

Jaime

I don't blame you Jaime!  That is cold!  Glad you got a ride in!

How was your race Ken?

Good Sunday morning folks! 

It is still nice here, but heading to the basement for a trainer ride. With a prescribed interval workout that will be pretty hard, it is a better workout on the trainer I find. 

How are you all doing with your January goals?

Glad you are feeling better Eddie!

I ran 13.1 training run yesterday in 1:58.  That may not be fast for you but blazing for me.  That is about 5 days after the worst FTP test on the bike of my life.  Then the next time I went downstairs to ride found a flat tire.  I wonder if that affected things.  We are tossing the test either way.  Trying to balance more running earlier in the year with consistent bike improvement and it's not easy.  The long run is on day one of my week and I've been trying to to bike intensity on tired legs. Modifying the plan.  Full speed ahead. 

You guys write ALOT!  I have to catch up. 

CyborgQueen - 2013-01-13 4:31 PM 31 miles in 35 degree weather...frickin' cold....cut my 40 mile ride a little short. I don't know if I pushed it a little hard, feels like I pushed it somewhat, but not RPE 9-10. Noticed my HR was in the upper zones 175-180 more often. I wonder if the cold weather attributed to it. This is the coldest temps I've ridden in. Definitely need another long layer as my legs was practically frozen. it is unusual for 30 degree weather to last long enough. Learned what i need at certain temps. Anyone notice that their HR gets higher for colder weather than normal?

Never remember the cold raising my HR, usually a little bit of the oposite.  When I did Florida in 2010 and it was so cold the first half of the bike, it did make my legs ache, but no issues with HR.  That is interesting.  Good for you get out in it though.

How strange is it in mid-January it is in the 60's here in NY and 30's in Vegas!

Great pace Ice!  I know lots of people that would be jealous of that pace in a race, let alone training.

Yes, I am guessing that the flat sabatoged your test!

Sounds like an awesome run, Ice!  Maybe the flu break was good for you.

I took more time off than I meant to this weekend, but with several 12 hour shifts and lousy weather it happens.  I was feeling pretty beat up on Thursday, so I'm telling myself I needed the break!  Now I'm raring to go...gonna do a trainer ride this evening and hit the pool tomorrow. 

Sometimes a break and a couple of days off is just what you need!  Have a great swim!