stevebradley's Mentor Group FULL (Page 229)

JESS -

My lord, that sounds awful! (Was it you, or Lisa, or both, who posted horrific sunburn photos previously?) I sure hope it is all improving today, or at least that the fever is done and your eating patterns are returning. as for the burn itself, though, i guess there's no really quick cure for that -- just managing the pain and discomfort, right? Is there anything presciption that works well for sunburns?

I really think you need to explore some options for other tops, and as a first line of attack i would go to www.desotosport.com. When there, make it over to women and look atvthe tops for Forza Grupo Femme. This is essentially what I have used for years (technically, i use more of the Carrera style jersey, but for women the Carrera provides less coverage than Forza), and it makes sun-coverage a no-brainer. I seldom apply any sunblock at all, when i do it is really quick and easy -- as you can see from the photos.

Ordering straight from DeSoto would be $76 for a Forza jersey, and I think it's a dollar or two less at www.tri-zone.com. DeSoto clothing is superb, and their customer service is even better. The most comfortable stuff I have eever worn ---- although I haven't worn much because I got into DeSoto right in my first year, and have stuck with it for 99% of my tri clothing.

Heal quickly, Jess!

JESS again -

Sit down! Get comfortable! Let's talk!

Fall HIMs, eh? Well, that little topic is never far from my mind, with plentiful options. Lisa mentioned one - B2B - and that is certainly on my radar. It's a haul for me, but that doesn't mean I won't do it. About the same goes for Triple T North Carolina, the Sunday HIM of which is also possible to do as a stand-alone. The websites for those are www.hfpracing.com and www.setupevents.com. I think for Triple T there is also a separate site, which might be www.americatriplet.com. Maybe. B2B is something like Nov 7 (14?), and Triple T weekend is Oct. 10ish.

A new one to consider is Washington Half, in NC, on Oct. 30. The website for that is www.fsseries.com. 2-loop bike, 2-loop run.

I loved the experience of MightyMan last October, but for some weird reason I'm looking at other options this year. In ought to figure out why, although it just might be that driving back in from Montauk after the race was a hassle, kind of. That website is.......I've forgotten! www.swimpower.com? www.eventpowerli.com? If you can't find it, I'll dig in out for you. Anyhow, it's a two-loop bike and run, with the run having some tough parts to it. But it's Montauk, it's October, it's pretty damn nice.

On the same weekend (first in Oct.) is also the new one put on by the Columbia/Eagleman group, or at least very closely affiliated with them. It is HalfFull, and is just like a regular HIM except for being 0.3 short on the swim -- 0.9 instead of 1.2. It s held at the Columbia site, with the swim in the same lake, only backwards from the Columbia route. The run covers much of the terrain of the Columbia run, but goes further north and dipsy-doodles on itself some, amking it the full 21.1 km. The bike........they STILL aven't posted a map of the bike! Six months after the website came up, and still no bike map! there are course directions and cue sheets, and some of the course goes over roads that Columbia uses, but I haven't bothered to try to track it through Google maps or something -- I just keep expecting a map to appear at www.haflfulltri.com!!!

How's that for food for thought?

In my perfect world, I would aim for B2B, and probably either of the Oct 2 options -- MightyMan or HalfFull. But there is still that question of getting down to coastal NC for B2B! As for Triple T -- it's tempting as a way to end the season! Check out the format of that if the concept is new to you!

Dialing back into the pure summer, have a look at Half Vermont Journey at www.rushtonsports.com. This is on August 29, about 20 minutes south of Middlebury. It is a pretty low-key event, copming as it does the week after Timberamn. The cost is only $179, but they have a decent refund policy that extends into August. The Vermont Sun series has run out of the same venue for years and years, and it is pretty beautiful (it's Vermont, after all!!). I did the late, great, Great Keewaydin Triathlon in '02, which was an oly/HIM hybrid that has since been reincarnated and morphed into HVJ. Check that one out and let me know what you think! I get very prompt and earnest emails back from the RD, and I am THIS close to signing up for it. (And if I do, I will likely also sign up for Lake Dunmore, an oly on Aug. 8 that covers part of the terrain that HVJ covers.)

Another two options for you (but not for me) are Toughman (NY) and Pumpkinman (NH) on the Sept 12 weekend, and Syracuse70.3 on Sept 19. On those two weekends I am doing Burlington (VT) and Lake George (NY), both olys. I won the raffle spot for LG at last year's race, but would've signed up for it anyhow, as it's a superb event. The Burlington one looks good, but their info is also a bit slow in getting all finalized an spiffy. They will be running the race on the same course that will be used for USAT Nationals in '11, and maybe '12, too. You didn't mention olys, but if either of those interest you the websites are www.racevermont.com and www.adktri.org )or maybe www.adktriclub.org.

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT ALL OF THIS!!!

Okay?

Steve!

Thanks for all the thoughts on the fall - lots to think about. I'm tired now, will respond tomorrow

I put up pictures from the weekend on Facebook, so check them out!

Also, feeling better now... temperature was down this morning Had three good meals today. Still kind of headachy, but better in general!

JESS -

.....and feeling better today? Hope so!

I haven't been to your Facebook yet for the photos. Are the official race ones up yet? Haven't checked that, either. (What a slacker!)


And about Beach2Battleship....

Bad news:
The half is already sold out, except for charity spots at $350!
The price jump from $325 to $375 for the FULL IRON happened on June 1.

Good news:
The next price jump for the full iron isn't until Oct. 1.
Here are the swim times for last year's iron for W25-29 (in finishing order for whole race):
56:42
59:20
54:15
54:32
59:44
1:03:25
59:39
59:09
1:02:00

Are you thinking of a full iron this season? I am, and this would be the likely suspect. I would love to do Silverman, but don't have a clue how I would get out there. Great Floridian is another option, but adds that much more to the distance as opposed to B2B. And then there is always Chesapeakeman, but that is right after Lake George which is right after Burlington, so that's not the smartest plan.

I will probably book a room at B2B, and then take it from there. I think Lynn would be up for a trip down there, and combine it with a visit to her bro and spouse in SC, so this idea might actually fly with my better half!

Thoughts?

Mr. Bradley:

I hadn't thought to do a full this year. In fact, my super-secret plan was to tackle a full in the fall of 2011. Why the fall of 2011? Not sure. I'm starting a new job in September, and I thought the fall of 2011 would give me enough time to adjust to life at the firm and get my 'groove' on before really jumping into hardcore training.

That said, you've really got me thinking about B2B. At first, like Lisa, I was pretty sure that I'd always want my first 140.6 to be an 'm-dot' race. Don't know why, just influenced by branding I guess. But I've spent the past day looking at the B2B website, reading race reports from last year, looking at pictures ... It looks like a fabulous race. From what I'm reading, the entire course could not be better for a first timer (the current on the swim, the flat bike and run). The weather will be really manageable. The race has incredible reviews.

You really have me thinking about it. Part of my thought process is this: I will never have (from here on out) as much time to train as I will have this summer. Things are really slowing down at the courthouse - I'm good at what I do, have a pretty established relationship with the Judge, and can easily handle the workload without staying late. I have two interns under my control (haha, as I told Lisa during our easy run before Eman). We might have a furlough week (UGH) in July. I have 10 more vacation days that I need to use, or I will lose. I'm really starting a love affair with the bike, and I wouldn't mind spending a lot of my summer out on the roads riding (this is a huge thing!) I have weekends generally free to spend hours and hours riding.

Two cons:

1) Since it's a Saturday race, I'd need to take the Friday before it off. Not sure how easy that will be to do only 2 months into my new job. My understanding, from speaking with people at the firm, is that it would be no big deal, but I don't know if taking a day off within the first two months is ideal. 

2) I always imagined (or assumed) that I would get a tri-bike before attempting my first IM. I recently came into some found money (old savings bonds in my name in a safety deposit box that my dad found!), but I don't think I'd realistically be in a position to purchase a new bike until August or September. Which I guess would be good timing because that's when this years models go on sale right? But I'd need to make sure I could get in X+ 100+ mile rides before racing with it.

So, I'm thinking about it. I guess the fall plan would be, mid-late September half, B2B on Nov. 13. At this point I'd have 5 months to train, which is pretty much what I'd need coming from my current base.

When I did my first marathon, I signed up randomly one day after doing an 8 mile run. That worked out fine and I loved it, but I think an IM requires a bit more planning and thought. I talked with Mark about it last night, and he said he would be supportive if I wanted to give it a shot What a great guy.

So I'm going to think about it. When do you think registration will close? I could try adopting a IM training plan, going for a month, and seeing how it feels. I could also try going out and doing my first century (haha).

If I do this, we should all meet up at the FeXY LP training camp.  As I said, I have vacation days I'm itching to use.

What is up with those B2B swim times? Is it a 2.4 mile water slide?

PS - feeling completely better Actually about to head out for my first post-Eman run! With Eli - he needs to get ready for his big race

Some Eman pictures:



Out of the deep!



Me headed out on the run



Me coming in for the finish (and smoking that girl behind me!)



Done!

Congrats and I love that last picture!

I wanna play!!!!!!

MS PALMER --

That odd-feeling weight on your left shoulder? That's me, jumping up and down, egging you on to do B2B!

I'm not sure that was my intent, and mostly I was trying to figure out what might be going through your head. I was thinking you were mostly wondering about half irons........but I think you have a bit of the impulsive (or is it compulsive) in you, so I just thought I would loft that idea your way. Plus, Lisa had mentioned it as a half-iron possibility for you, but seeing as how that's already closed out, shoot, might as well go for the next thing up the food chain!

I don't think it has clsoed out the first two years, and if I remember it was at 379 a few days ago. They list the limit as 800, and at this stage of the season, with July almost upon us, I doubt that there are 400+ iron-aspirants who don't have their plans locked in place, more or less.

With the new job (And that's exciting! Do tell more!!) starting in September, you will have a few weeks to test the waters there to see how they feel about you taking the Friday off. And I say a few weeks because that's until October 1, when the prices go up again. Just keep checking every Thursday at, oh, let's say 2:17pm, to see what their numbers are at.

Your thought of trying an IM plan for a month is a very good one, and even if you decide against B2B or any other iron this year, that training will put you in great shape for a Aug/Sept/Oct half-iron. I'd think it would be a win-win, especially if you had a target HIM for late August or early September, which means you would not at that point hit the really big miles of an IM plan.

I think for each of my two irons I did two centuries; I will check that if you want. Those were in '04 and '05, and at the time of them I had done 9 and 11, respectively, half irons, so thaere might be something to be accrued (is that the word I want) from all of those. But I doubt I had even done an 80-miler before my first century, so it wasn't as if I went into my iron training with mega hours in the saddle.

I'm not at all sure where I am vis-a-vis B2B. My season thus far is going really well and I'm in great shape, but the big challenge for me is maintaining my athletic health for another five months. I had done all of my requisite marathon training for Kiawah last fall......and then on the last long run, the ITB went. That was a big GRRR! at the time, but more importantly it threw the fear of god on me that I might not be able to pull off run training to that degree (i.e., 26.2). But I've also learned that yesterday's injury dosn't necessarily become tomorrow's problem, so it all comes back to a willingness to roll the dice (with $375 on the table! )

Another concern for me is training up here when it is getting cold; come mid-October, I'm not enjoying long rides and find warm open waters.....hard to find! But I was just reading an article by Leannda Cave (She's Welsh! She's cute!), and she says that in the period 2-3 weeks out from an iron, to cut training 30%, and she used the 100-mile run that becomes a 70-miler as an example. So, that would mean that I could maybe force myself to do 100 miles along about Oct. 18, and then glide into the race from there. Or something like that!

Let's keep talking about B2B, but in the meantime...........anything resonate with you for a half-iron between now and then?





Edited by stevebradley 2010-06-20 12:52 PM

MS PALMER again -

Those are terrific photos, really superfine. All are keepers, but the one I like best is the one approaching the finish line -- your stride is sweet, and your smileis sweeter, and you look fresh enough to be ready to turn around and repeat the whole thing.

I'm confused about the swim exit, though! The two years I did Eagle we exited up the ramp, but it looks as if you are coming up on the beach just to the east of the ramp and t-zone; if so, where did you begin? Time for me to get to the webiste and look at those course maps!

What is a furlong period, anyhow -- time off without pay?

I checked into NJ State Tri, but the oly is full. I thought about signing up for the waiting list, and am still thinking about that. Right now that weekend and the ones on either side of it are empty, so I'm looking for options. But one scheme is the following.

A time-honored race up here is Muskoka (not Muskoka 70.3, but the "original" Muskoka -- 2000m/55km/15km), which has spots for Ironman Canada. This year the race is on July 25 (usually ~June 18), so I might do it and learn the course, and then do it in earnest next June and go for a IMC spot --- that is, IF I did B2B and IF I came out of it okay. So, there is a lot to be said for using July 25 for Muskoka -- especially since NJ State is already full.

Decisions, decisions!

MS PALMER once more -

Did you try to print the maps for B2B? I got the swim one to do the right thing, but for the bike and run they weren't complete AND came out in super-large detail? I HATE when that happens!

Asa for the B2B "water slide", it's all in that sweet little current coming along the channel. Amen to THAT baby!

NEIL -

And how is the foot? When WILL you be able to play again? Any successes on either the swim or the bike?

Steve -

You're too funny You must have known what you were doing when you posted those swim times! "She now knows that she can swim into a current for 52 minutes, she can definitely swim WITH a current for 52 minutes!"

Also, you must know by now that I'm fairly impulsive (hopefully - usually - in a good way?) But, this is something I won't be impulsive about. So, we'll take it easy, work up a really good base and experiment with some longer miles on the bike. I'll plan for a late august/early September HIM and reevaluate then.

I have decided though, that I think I'll be making a concerted effort to get a new bike in the next few months Very exciting! As I get closer to having the requisite $ saved, we'll talk specifics

As for late summer/fall HIM, my head is spinning with options! But I need to register for whatever I end up choosing soon, so I don't miss out. Anyway, I'm really kicking myself - I wish I had thought ahead and registered for Timberman, which would have been very good timing and a fun experience. Always next year...

Looking at the HalfFull website - looks like a fun race! Certainly very appealing - I like the roads around there a lot. So that one is high on the list!

Also, the HVJ - looks gorgeous. I LOVE Vermont - my brother is actually living up there for the summer right now, working at the minor league ballpark in Burlington (Go Lake Monsters?!) Could be a good excuse to go visit?

I'm also considering the Delaware Diamondman - http://www.piranha-sports.com/Race78.aspx It's a HIM in Delaware the weekend of September 12. Piranha ran a very good race at Devilman, and the registration fee ($155) is very reasonable.

I like Pumpkinman just because it's called Pumpkinman. Haha. Fall is my absolute favorite time of year, and having a shirt saying I did a race called the Pumpkinman would be awesome. The downside is that they don't allow dogs, and Mark and I want to start making these trips fun 'family' camping trips and bringing E. Camping was so awesome at Eman, we really want to camp as much as we can this summer, including at races.

I would also like to add an oly or two this summer. Really considering the NorthEast Tri: http://www.cgiracing.com/2009Events/NorthEastMarylandTri.aspx So what I'm saying I guess, is that I'm still undecided with almost too many options

I did my first ride since Eman today - 50ish minutes easy Was nice to get outside and moving! I'll be doing a 5k tomorrow with my mom, dad and aunt... can't believe I convinced them

Neil -

Feel better!!!! How's it going? I hope you're healing quickly.

I go for a check up Tues so I will find out what the doc says.  As for riding, I went yesterday and it was awesome.  I did 1hr30min on hills mostly.  Made it to the Rose Bowl and did a few laps there where a Peleton of about 75 guys came by at about 30-35mph...wow!  They created some huge wind.  THe foot is ok in the cycling shoe because they are so stiff...so it doesn't allow me to flex my forefoot.  This is good.

I will attempt another ride or a swim today.

Ran 23:50 at tonight's 5k Not bad for just over a week after Eman, plus some heat, humidity and hills (the three H's?)

Literally 'ran' into an attorney I know from the courthouse at the water tables after the finish line... not sure if I beat him! Hope I did haha

Glad to hear you're keeping active, Neil, and that cycling is an option!

NEIL -

Sounds very positive, so keep up the cycling. I know what it's like to be without running for a while, and at those times we just have to go with our (remaining) strengths.

Check up Tuesday.....as in tomorrow?? May it go well, and please update us as soon as it is convenient for you!

Ms JESS -

Great run, m'am! Was this the one your mom did, too?

I owe you much more, but it was another long night at thr Fringe Festival. However, I will say that Diamondman is a pretty okay race. the bike is fun, especially crssing over and back the Big Reedy (??) Brideg, or whatever its name is. The water at Lum's Pond (??) is not super nice, as there is some recollection (this dates back to '03 for me) of a sewage-y odor, but there was also lots of heavy rain before the race that made the normal run from water to transition impassable, so it was a loooong detour out to the main road and then in through a big field. As for the actual run-run, it is petty much out there in the open --- but then again, you're used to that after Eagleman! My day there was quite warm and very sunny, so it was a bit difficult. Much of the run course is (or at least was) on an unimproved path, maeaning hard-packed dirt with lots of stones and rocks. But maybe the past six years of triathletes running there have led to all the rocks being kicked aside. We can only hope!

JESS -

In my world that is now controlled by the concept of WWLD (What Would Lisa Do?), I know I will face disapproval if I travel a long way for a sprint tri......so I am now trying to piggyback these. I did that at Escape the Cape and Pirate a week-and-a-half ago, and I now have another scheme I'm cooking up -- which might involve you!

I am registered for West Point Tri on August 15, and am seriously considering Long Branch on the 14th. In fact, I was all set to register for it a few minutes ago, but the reg form won't process my CDN postal code; I have emailed them to see if they will allow me to use Jane's NYC address. That would have me driving to LB on the Friday, doing the race (love the distances -- 600, 22+, 5), then driving the relatively short distance up to Newburgh, where I would stay Saturday night for the Sunday WPT.

Are you giving any thought to that particular Long Branch event?

LISA -

Which race on Oct 2/3? Is it the one with the oly on Saturday and the sprint on Sunday, down near Lake Anna? WHY CAN'T I REMEMBER THE NAME?!?

Hi gang,
I'm still alive and kicking. I got my son all married and happy too. Summer is going nicely. Not happy at work right now and I'm thinking it's time for me to move on. But to what? And who's going to pay the bills? So maybe not ready right now. My boss knows I'm not happy and he's trying to help me figure out what to do. Boss is a friend too but I don't think it is the best thing to have a boss know you're not happy...

I haven't read previous posts so I hope all is well. Maybe I'll take the time today to get semi-caught up.
Love you all,
Patty

PATTY!

Were you ravishing at the wedding? Forget about the bride.....what about you? Any photos for us?

VERY glad you checked in, and please be as frequent with it as you can. I'll be back tomorrow or Sunday (see next post).

GANG!

I'm off to bed, gotta wake up at about 3am to leave the house by 3:30 to drive the 2.25 hours to Tupper Lake so I can grab a spot before 6am for the Tupper Lake Sprint -- actually a "hybrid" (0.6mile swim/18.6mile bike/6.2mile run). That starts at 8:00.

Yawn!