Ernie's Group - Closed (Page 3)

Hey Phil,

While you may not feel sore, you are putting a strain on your body.  The problem with overuse injuries, there usually isn't any indication prior to complete shut down.  You're body says that's enough and indicates this through pain.   It is much better to go longer in an appropriate zone than to pick up the intensity at the end of a workout.

Don't worry about the bike.  Use what you have available and get what you can afford when you can.  If you have a spin bike available, use that. 

Here's a link to an interesting thread:  http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=18656&start=1

Ernie

Great post, I agree with everything you wrote.

Ernie

Here's another good website for you:  http://www.d3multisport.com/articles.php

D3 Multisport is the official online coach for BT and Mike Ricci, the lead coach for D3, wrote a lot of the training plans for BT.  D3 uses HR training for most of their training and the web page has a lot of information regarding HR training.  Also the page has some good information on race pacing.

Ernie

I was hoping to get some input on how you think this mentoring thing is going.  Are you getting the info that you need?  Do the links help?  Are you ready to find another activity?

Ernie

Ernie,

     Going well from my standpoint.  Although I do not post often, I do read the posts in our group and use the material as a reference for myself.  Biggest to date is of course building the base.  I am also interested in seeing what the other members are doing and how they are overcoming an issues/challenges which face them.  I think we are all going through a similar event and we all benefit from the information posted here.  Some of my questions have already been asked and answered by you and other "Ernie group" members.  As I start to transition my training from indoor to outdoor, I am sure I will find more question areas.  As I am in WI this might be awhile, 2 degrees this AM with -5 to -20 windchill.

     Thanks for all the inspiration and assistance to date, keep up the press.  A great quote which I am certain applies to me at this point is "You don't know what you don't know".

 Greg

Hi Ernie
I log on daily and always check the links – I'm learning loads. The posts and links on cycling and the most recent on HR were really helpful for me, thanks. Now into week 2 of my training, and as GRB1 trying to focus on consistency and build a base. No I haven't bottled a session yet and my weekly pattern fits nicely around work and family.

Keep it coming
John

The link for today is another triathlon website similiar to BT but attracts advanced triathletes.  Most of the leading vendors and pros post on this site.  There is a lot of great information on this site.  Check out the articles and forums.  As you will read this site, you'll realize it's not for the thin skinned.  People are very in your face about expressing their opinion and telling you why yours is wrong.  The site is well know in the triathon community and will usually be referred to as ST.  The founder of the site also founded Quintana Roo bicycles and was an early triathlete.

http://www.slowtwitch.com/

I'm a very logical person and like the most logical way to do things.  You'll soon realize there is no right way or only way in endurance sports.  This is because everyone responds differently to different training methods.  It usually takes a lot of trial and error to find the best way to train for you.  It doesn't help with the internet, as everyone posts about the their experience and insists that is the only way to train.  So, take everything with a grain of salt.

Ernie

You guys have answered all my questions more then adequately and I really notice the things you are talking about such as the short cranks on the life cycle.

It is really working well for me to have accountability for my workouts as it helps drag me out of the bed at 4am to do them and keep going even when the runs suck.

Good news Phil, spin those legs.

John

Link of the day is a good swimming post here on BT:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=117554&start=1

Ernie

That's awesome! Now you need some good weather, so you can ride outside.

Ernie

Phil- That's great!

-Howard

Ernie,

This might seem simple but what kind of support can you expect during an event?  Myself, I can go through 2 large water bottles during a 25-35 mile ride.  I guess you could say I sweat buckets.  Anyway, on longer distance events, are you expected to carry enough fluids for the entire ride or do the events have support stations on the bike portion?  For me to make 56 miles I would need to wear my camalback or put one of those seat bottle holder things on my bike.  It is my understanding they have them every mile or so on the run portions so that is not a problem.  If all goes well I won't be drinking any water during the swim portion. 

 Greg     

Hey Greg,

As with  most triathlon questions, it depends.   Most races will post on their web page what support you'll get on the course.  I found the following for the races I've done:  Sprints - Maybe a water stop on the run, usually in the middle, nothing on the bike.  Olympics - Water/sports drink every mile or so, nothing on the bike.  1/2 Iron - Water/sports drink/food every mile or so on the run, bottle hand ups on the bike.  Iron - same as 1/2 for run, bike hand up and food on bike plus they will have special needs bags at the half way point.  Special needs bags are bags you pack with whatever you want at 1/2 way point of the race.

From what you wrote, you should be ok.  An olympic is usually 24 miles on the bike and you should be able to carry two bottles.  For a half, 56 miles, they will bottle hand ups.  For this they will have a place to drop your empty bottle and they'll have volunteers to hand you water/gatorade bottles.  I've seen people use camel backs during races including pros (but that's for longer races).   In fact if you look at the last Triathlon magazine they have a picture of Joanne Zieger, 70.3 athlete of the year, racing with a camel back.

A good thing to do is look for race reports from people that did the race the year before.  They usually comment on what's available on the course.  Here's a link to the race forum http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/directory/index.asp .  Once you've found the race, you'll find links to past race reports.

Ernie

Here's a link to podcast about endurance training.  It may give you something to listen to on the trainer/treadmill

http://www.enduranceplanet.com/

Ernie

Philz1982,

If your looking for bike only shorts, not tri shorts, check out performance bikes and bike nashbar.  They are both online and you can normally find some good deals.  Bike shorts will make a big difference in long distance comfort. 

 Greg

I agree with Greg on the shorts.  I get almost all my shorts from Performance. 

Ernie