ADollar79's Group--closed and in the base building phase! (Page 28)

It is really hard for me to advise you to go all out on the swim because the swim often mentally and physically dictates the outcome of the rest of the day.  Plus you mention your nerves.  I think blowing up on the swim runs the risk of creating problems on the bike/run for you.  I would push yourself at a comfortable race pace. 

In regards to building your run/bike volume...be careful.  Don't ramp up too quickly.  Also understand that with your race three weeks from today that more training won't necessarily produce better results.  Most of the work has been done.  I just don't want you to go out and train really hard to the point of overtraining and then suffer race time.  Ramp up your volume casually.   Consistent training, however, will make you feel better about racing. 
  

Finally. I have something better than a $99 Walmart Bike. I am ecstatic!

'07 Specialized Allez Elite Triple.

When I rented my wetsuits for most of last years races I literally tore if off of myself and left it where my bike was racked. It was just fine till the end of the race.  The chances of it being stolen are probably pretty slim. If it came with a mesh bag you could always put it in there but usually most folk left it bundled from what I saw.  What kind did you get?  I am going to buy one from promotion next month as I used those last year and really liked the fit, and it's inexpensive which I like even more

I rode 44 miles yesterday. That's the longest ever for me so far. Legs are a little sore this morning but it's a good burn.

1.  Yes.  If you have access to a lake then spend some time in it.  You will want to see where it fits well and where it doesn't

2.  I just throw the wetsuit down where my gear is (it becomes a mess)

3.  I use a plastic bag from the grocery store.  I know it sounds silly.  Put it over your foot and it slides right through.  Repeat for other foot and arms.  Also buy some Bodyglide and apply it to your neck, shoulders, wrists and ankles.  BG is a type of lubricant that helps prevent chaffing.  

When you go to take off the wetsuit, get the top off asap.  I tend to run in my until transition (depends on the race).  When you remove the bottoms, remove one leg, stand on the wetsuit and literally pop your foot out.  Repeat for the other one.  I can typically get out of my wetsuit in about 15-20s while running.  But this takes practice and you will want to work on it.   

Lynne--

I want to see pictures inside and after the brewery...erm...I mean bike ride too  

I posted pics in my blog. They aren't very exciting I'm afraid.  I didn't have any beer though, just diet coke.

I have a question about aero bars. I'd like to buy some before my Oly next month. Any advice on them?  I don't want to spend too much on them.  

Hey Lynne.  I have clip-on aero bars for both of my bikes.  I have profile design T2 (which are straght with a little s curve in them) and I have Oval Aero Slam 700's (they are bent and can be adjusted several ways, but generally come up to a peak like a triangle top).    I prefer the peaked bars better, as I feel like I have more tire control when going around curvy paths and when I am reaching for a drink.  They are fairly easy to put on and take off, so that shouldn't be an issue, and you can buy them in carbon or aluminum (of course, the aluminum is a bit heavier and less inexpensive).  I don't think that someone with our ability is really going to notice the difference between the weight of carbon and that of aluminum on such a small piece, so I would save the money, personally.  Feel free to let me know if you have more questions.

This is what I used my first season.  $45.  

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19426&subcategory_ID=5255

I have no real insight on them.  John summed up a few points on costs.  I would definitely go with aluminum.  It would be best (and more costly) if they were adjustable.  Just know that is going to throw off your fit a bit.   

Thanks. I've come across some on Craigslist that are clip on and under $50, you know they might even be carbon.   They had another one of my bikes with aero bars on and the cost was only $100 more and I'm thinking now I should have just bought that bike.

I'll have a look for some and post the info here for some feedback.  

Dig through some of the old tri talk and gear review threads.  Also look at the Best of 2007 polls. They might have one on clip on aerobars.  You would be able to determine which one was the most popular.   

Ok. This is one I came across on Ebay: Good price and the "style" I like.

I have still yet to read up on more.

It really is a personal thing. If you have the chance to go to a bike shop that sells them I would do that. For instance, I changed my aerobars this year. If you look at my two tri bikes they have contrasting styles. My Roo had "J" bends that came up high. My ordu has "s" bends. This drastically changes my hand positions. Also the pads are at totally different locations. It all comes down to personal preference. your body WILL adapt...it just takes time.

You will be ready for this weekend.  And the race will tell you what you need to prepare for the next one.   

I thought I would let you all in on another tri announcement. 

Though it isn't official (yet):

I am going to race the ITU Long Course Duathlon World Championships in Belgium this August.  

For those of you who don't follow my log, I qualified at a race last month.  I will be a member of Team USA, travel with about 30-40 athletes to Belgium and participate with about 5-600 other international competitors.  Here is the link:  http://douwen.sin.khk.be/wkduathlon2008/index2.php?taal=en

The distance is absolutely brutal.  20k-80-10k.  For you non-Canadians, that is a 12.4 mile run, 50 mile bike, 6.2 mile run.  OUCH.  I think it is a cool opportunity to compete on a somewhat grand stage.  

I am also in the final stages of hiring a coach.  I didn't want to be coached this year but in order to peak, recover and then peak for Ironman, I don't see any other option.  

So fasten your seatbelts....it is going to be a hell of a summer.   

Wow!  That sounds like an amazing opportunity!

And what a great excuse to travel to Europe!

Giddy Up Dollar - that's exciting!!  And you should know better than to post bike porn without a warning. 

I already want a tri bike 

Nice bikes!!!! I have gone so far as to having my saddle fitted properly at REI today. Guy did it for free. Wow, what a nice fit. Felt so good.

That's great Dollar that you get to partake in such a valuable opportunity! And to Europe. Niiiiiiice. I hope you make the best of it. Watch out for those Belgian beers, they are lethal,but the chocolate is AMAZING! I have a Belgian penpal and she sends me some every Xmas.

Pppst. I had an awesome brick tonight. I did better in it than I have in ANY race.