GrooveTime!group - CLOSED!!! (Page 275)

STEVE,

Cycling is changing to short hill climbs today (9 x 1min).   Should I just have the chain in the big ring at the front and a gear in the back that feels hard?   I don't think that means going 'all out' as hard as I can. 

Thanks.

SteveB,

Your welcome for the notes. Hopefully, they'll work for me as a bit of a reminder. I did buy her book ("Call the Suit") which is loaded with pcitures so that should be a help. Also bought the bands she sells to use while I am in Mexico to be able to strength train and work on form at the same time.

She does tell a motivating story. Moreso if you read some of the articles/interviews with her on SlowTwitch. She is living a motivational life.

Speaking of lats and traps. She showed us an underwater video of a mens 50 free. The lats on this lats must flex out 3 or 4 inches when he really starts pulling. It could be more than that. It was truly amazing to see how much the back really is the key swimming muscle. Much motivating for me to work on back strength as well as legs and core.

SteveB,

As for my personal motivation...It's not where it was last year, no question about it. I'm not sure where the reason lies. Is life becoming too busy outside of training? (Yes, I'm adding another hobby, home beer making.) Is work to much right now? Is it I know I'll be in Mexico and probably not training next year?

I really have no idea. I'm just not feeling as motivated. Haven't been on a bike in over a week. Knocked out my first 3.1 miles in 35 minutes that includes 12.5 minutes of walking. Last swim was last Friday at 1200 yards. Or so I think that is the distance. Not 100% positive the pools I have been using are 25 yards anymore. So I think the progress is their. I feel stronger and feel that my running will be faster than last year especially since I can push it more this year. I can talk about triathlon and read about it and surf the internet about it but when doing my workouts I'm not super highly motivated to do them. I get through what I set out to do but in the middle my mind is wondering why I am doing them...Not to mention, I'm not getting in my 9 workouts a week I think I need and have not worked out on a weekend yet. Also been eating out a fair bit lately and not the healthy kind of eating out which is not helping my overall well feeling.

As for the Timecrunched Triathlete talking about timecrunched reading...Haven't found that chapter yet!! Right now I'm focusing on getting through Matt Fitzgerald's triathlete's bible like book before moving on to another book....Not sure where to go from there be it nutrition or training goals.

The local bike/triathlon shop had their once a year sale this past weekend. Ended up getting a pair of Specialized Trivent's and a climbing block.

Even though the Trivent is a 2 strap shoe, in talking to the Specialized rep that was there he said that the front strap is set and forgot about as it is how the width is adjusted. So it should not be adjusted very much either. Now I have to spend some wearing them around the house to see if hot spots develop or not. Not sure if they will as the other shoes I had, it only developed after some time of riding.

Shaun,

The Trivents are a great shoe.   I've had mine for 5 years and there are still in great shape.  The only change I think they have made in all that time is they are no longer real leather.   You're right about the front strap - I never adjusted it, once I had it where I wanted.   The only reason I'm not fond of them in races is that they are difficult to get into when you leave them on the pedals.   When riding for the first couple of minutes your foot squishes the velcro down and it is such good velcro that it is near impossible to wriggle your foot in.  However, if you are more nimble/flexible/stable on the bike, you could probably lean down and open the strap.  

Don't worry about not being motivated.  It happens.   Just keep up the reading - it's obviously helping a bit.  

Just did 2 hrs 15 min on the trainer.  Watched "The Town" - good flick.  I wasn't concerned with resistance or cadence - just wanted to see if my bottom would hold up and it did.

Denise

Chance of more snow tomorrow here.

Shaun,

Ready for "Top Chef" finale tonight?  Pretty sure Richard's got it.

Have you seen all the seasons?  I just read that Stephanie Izard"s restaurant "Girl & the Goat" is a finalist for James Beard "best new restaurant".  She's the one who beat Richard in his original season when he crashed in the finals.

Denise

STEVE,

I rode OUTSIDE today!!      Was supposed to ride yesterday, but didn't 'cause I had physio and osteo afterwards and wanted to see what they had to say first.   Then I told Ken I was going to lay low until the weekend before biking but I just could NOT pass up being outside today.    It wasn't even really warm - 3* with 15km E wind, but it felt quite nice to me.

I initially went out for me test walk that I am now doing daily to guage my healing progress, and today gave me some hope.   Hopped on the bike right afterwards, for only 11.5 km but it felt VERY good - no issues at all, and quite strong riding into the wind.   I did my 'short hill climbs' today.    Yesterday would have been an indoor ride - that was why I was asking how you do short hill climbs.   Today, it did them pretty much exactly as you described (before even seeing what you said) - no getting out of saddle.   It's rare that I would do that as well.

I will not be attempting any running until next week.   Just can't risk any setbacks. 

Not really concerned yet about the low volume in March - last year March and May were really low volume - hardly swam at all and diidn't even bike much in May - April was the only month where I got alot of cycling in - and I still was able to do the 1/2 distance and have fun.    Right now, I don't care if Musselman is the ONLY race I do this year as long as I can stay healthy.     

Any big plans for the weekend?  

Nice Ride!      Snow?    Hope they're wrong!

stevebradley - 2011-03-28 11:04 AM ANNE again - Was it you I mentioned wheelbarrow inner tubes to? Anyhow, i finally found one and will take it to the pool today. It is supposed to be a different sort of pull buoy effect, worn down around the ankles. i have done this wil an old bike tube, partly inflated and tied into a tight loop, but thta just makes me feel as if I'm soon to go straight vertical, or down, take your pick. Maybe the fatter wheelbarrow one will work better. I was glad that a clerk didn't come by when I was comparing them. "What size is your wheelbarrow, sir?" "Um, er, it's for my ankles." To which I would've had to add that it is for swimming ("Wipe that smirk off your face, young man!"), as opposed to something exotic such as bondage and discipline!

No, it wasn't me that you mentioned inner tubes to.   Have never heard of them used like that before - for swimming.     What's the different effect?  

Hi Guys!

Long time not talk!    HEY I heard another thing - take 2 waterbottles and tape them together, and use them as a pull bouy - add some water for more weight (same amount in each bottle or else you will swim crooked) I haven't done it but just thought of it when Steve mentioned his tire method.

Hi guys,

Well, I saw that the new spring groups are up - so I joined one.  I think this has been a wonderful forum and I thank everyone who's posted.  It lasted a long time but I think it seems to have run it's course.

Steve, Thank you SO MUCH for all your help and advice and general musings over the past year.

Anne, good luck with your future races.

Bye bye,

Denise

Sad to say goodbye,    but I understand.   An active forum IS a great boost when training and competing and this has been a really good one but seems most everyone has moved on. 

You are on a roll now with your training and have some great races planned.  I wish you the best of luck too!  

I'm not sure where this year is going to take me (not where I had originally planned!) but as long as I can stay active and healthy, I am happy.  

I will check in with you now and then to see how your year is going.    Take care,

Anne

thall0672 - 2011-04-09 7:10 PM Hi everyone! Just checking in to say hello. I'm totally out of the loop with where everyone is with their training and races since I haven't logged on here in probably at least a couple of months? I hope everyone is doing well. I found out that I'm expecting in the fall, so my summer training/racing plans are off for this year I'm afraid. But my hope is to keep on running for as long as I can, and swimming throughout the rest of my pregnancy. I'm a little bummed that I have to give up the racing this year after starting my racing only last summer, but I'm already thinking about my post-baby training plans. 2012, here I come!!! Tracey

CONGRATULATIONS, Tracey!!  There couldn't be a better reason for giving up racing.  

All the best,

Anne