Fred D's triathlon training group CLOSED (Page 24)

As with any Internet forum diagnosis, YMMV.

Rudy, just keep monitoring it.  I had a calf strain late last year.  Had to stop immediately and just took a break from running for 4 days.  During that time I did a lot of self massage.  Slowly came back to running at it worked out.  Like Fred said...don't panic and be patient.

As far as tools and wrenching.  I can do the basics.  Changing cassettes and general tuning...changing pedals, etc.  Haven't yet taken apart the crank though, and no experience changing cables.  My tool kit that I keep in my car is a chain whip, lock ring tool, adjustable wrench, assorted allen wrenches, plyers (for master link), screw driver, wire cutters, and scissors.

I agree on getting the torque wrench with the carbon bikes.  I bought a torque key that is 6mm which covered 95% of the hex bolts on my road bike (can't remember the nm without looking), but when I bought the speed concept I don't think they used 2 bolts the same size or that required the same torque so I bought a torque wrench with the sockets in a kit.  Good investment considering the consequences of not properly torquing something on the bike.

Rudy, I feel you man.   I think 2012 ... so far.... is the first year I have not had a variation of this same injury.  For me it kept me out a couple weeks, but usually never more than that.  Can you feel a knot in the area?  Hopefully you can clear it up quickly enough to get a couple runs in before the HIM.  ART, self massage (deep and make it hurt, try using Traumeel on it for the massage) and ice seemed to help.

My wife said last weekend, and I think I agree, that the HIM is the perfect distance.  It is a true challenge and you can go relatively hard and push yourself to go faster, it's not the long slog fest many of us do/did for IM, but it's also not an Oly that you can finish on a modicum of fitness (but Olys and sprints still hurt - bad - if youa re going as fast as you can).  Can train well and still maintain a semblance of a life for most of us.  Much easier to spectate.  Can race in the morning and still do something in the afternoon, go out to dinner, enjoy the next day, etc.

I was always thinking I would do a IM, then I decided I really didn't.  I love the training for a HIM but not sure I want to do more.  I every now and then get the itch again for the IM but then I train for a HIM and recall why I don't want to do them again.    I almost signed up for one in July but now I am glad I didn't

*For now*, I agree with a lot of opinions about IM.  I haven't done one, and for sure I'd like to do one eventually...but I'm in no rush.  I also don't see myself doing too many of them...maybe a 2-3 total.  Maybe even just one if I have a really good debut.

I have a lot of other racing interests...primarily bike racing and TTs that I'm much better at.

Hell, i can't even stay healthy long enough to compete at the half distance the way i want to.

I have always said i would never do an IM, and this latest leg injury issue only reinforces my thoughts on that. 

That being said, i would still like to be able to run, i do not mind running a couple times a week, 3-5 miles a shot, to keep healthy and stay in running shape for cyclocross. The swimming, i could really do without that, i do not love it, nor hate it, it is a necessary evil for Tri's.  I could not imagine doing the work for a full Iron distance in the pool.

put some tape on it sissy... i'll call you later.

So the weather forecast this weekend is for 95 or so, depending on who you ask, for my Oly in Vegas on Sat.  As a bigger guy I wilt in the heat (Oceanside at 65 was perfect weather)  The high temps won't be hit until 3 pm or so and I'll be long done by then, but it will still be hot by the time I finish, maybe upper 80s.  It's also a very hilly course.

So I need your techniques for hot racing

I will be hydrating fiercely this week, especially Th-Fri. 

I have ditched any plan of podium and plan on just pacing it wisely and going slow. 

I will be wearing de soto skin coolers, and a local BTer is bringing me an iced bottle for the run (thanks Jim!). 

I recently bought an aero helmet that has vents, but may just go with the road helmet with a de soto cooler beanie, although the bike likely won't be that hot.

I am just thankful I didn't sign up for the half

Any other thoughts/ideas?

Keep in mind that HOT does not always mean drink more.  Drink to thirst.  Vegas is dry, so you may feel really hot, but not be sweating that much.  Use any extra water to shoot yourself down.  Keep your skin wet and that will help dissapate heat.

This is where I took a note from Bryan's training.  I knew Texas would be hot (I assumed hotter) and I made sure my runs where in the heat.  I put enough in early to ensure I still got some high quality work but I even did my intervals during the heat.  I thought Texas was kind of cool.  When you read other reports others are saying hot.  The moral of the story is to just listen to Bryan. 

That is all too late for you of course Chris.  I would say it is key to hydrate throughout the week though.  Just regular hydration, you'll be fine. 

Wasn't that the one with the fork issue? 

All,

Been out of it for a few days.  Had a great visit at my parents place, but then came down sick with chills, fever, etc. and now on the mend.

Lots to try and catch up on with the thread.

Rudy - I hope the legs heals fast.  Running injuries are the biggest PITA, and the ones that cause me the biggest loss of motivation.

Had a really good group ride.  Lots of hammering.

Tri Talk has been getting quite "touchy" lately.  Funny how people take internet forums so seriously.