Prof40's group CLOSED (Page 3)

Hi, David!  If you are open to one more in the group, I'd love to join!

Name:  Nadine

Story:  I've always been athletic - mostly team sports like softball, basketball.  Several years ago I started running to help with weight loss and fitness.  I actually don't like running, but with the business travel schedule I used to have, it was really the only sport I could fit in just about anywhere.  Mostly just ran 5Ks and did the Shamrock Shuffle (8K) in 2006.  A knee issue slowed me down, and then I started playing softball instead.  Picked up cycling 3 years ago and have done several long distance rides (75+ miles).  A friend is really into tri and she got me thinking a few months ago that perhaps I could do a Sprint.  I needed a challenge and a new goal to focus on, so I thought I'd give this a try.

Status:  37 years old, 5' 9", 162 lbs, single, share my home with my rescued mutt Lucy

Current Training:  I've been using the basic 16 week Sprint Tri training plan from BT.  Going good so far - except for the cold/cough I'm fighting at the moment.  Took the wind right out of my sails.  Bike is my strength, swim is my weakness.  Run is just kinda there - pretty slow at the  moment.

2009 Races:  Groovin in the Grove 5K - May 9, Udder Century, Union, IL - June 7, Big Foot Sprint Sprint Tri, Lake Geneva, WI - June 28.  After I see how I manage in the first Sprint Tri, I'll see about doing more this season.

Goals:  For this first Sprint Tri, I'd just like to finish strong - not gasping for air as I cross the finish line. 

Weightloss:  I'll take it if it comes!  But I too like my bread, pasta and wine!

As I have told more and more people about my training and goals, I sometimes find myself wondering just what I got myself in to.  I'm nervous about the open water swim, and quite frankly, the whole race!  So, as the time gets closer, I'll be looking for tips, advice and LOTS of reassurance.    Thanks!!

Hello, and a good Friday to all.

I've closed the group temporarily so I can see where we are at the moment. Everyone who has asked up to this point is in. I'll respond to everyone's posts over the weekend.

For those who have just joined, you have some catching up to do! Here's your homework: your 3 specific goals for the summer.

The sun is shining here, the sky is blue and without a cloud, and I'm at the office counting down the hours until I can get out for the day. I'm guessing I'm not the only person here waiting for the weekend.

And here's our group weekend assignment: pick any of our 3 disciplines, and go long. (So, new members-- you really have some work to do!)

"What is long?," you ask. Well, that's all relative to you. Long is longer than you've gone so far. So if the farthest you've run is 3 miles, I want you to try 3.3. If it's an 8 mile bike ride, go for 9. Try to just increase your distance by 10%, at a nice and easy pace. The goal is not to go fast, but to just "do."

And then I want you to report back here and tell us what you did and how you felt.

Have a great weekend!

boxer - 2009-04-16 11:04 PM David,
Thanks for doing this!
Seems like I'll be grandpa here! I'm Jaime 43 years old. Married and 2 kids. I've always been doing some sort of athletic activity. Played tennis for the last 7 years. Before that I did a bit of distance running.  Finally put on my running shoes this year again -love it! My knees hurt a little though    This year I've ran Tybee Island 5 mile, Hunter Army Air Field 10k and the Beaufort Twilight Run 5 mile.  (If I become king for a day ALL races will be in the evening!)
Also have been swiming about twice a week.  My kids 5 and 6 swim, so instead of playing with the blackberry decided to jump in the pool.  Doing about an hour -2000m- per session trying to get some endurance - the pool is still kicking my rear.
No kdding always wanted to start training for triathlon but ........................... excuses.
Now, tomorrow my first ever tri-bike arrives on the mail, a Cervelo P2 2008, and it feels like Christmas in April!!!  What I'm gonna do with it?????????  Have no idea yet!!!!!
Thought about going with the 2x balance training program, what do you think?
Goals....................
1. Start training for a triathlon........... almost there
2. Run my first spring (and many others)Triathlon safely and without embarrasing myself.  When? When ready. Savannah Sprint Series June 7h might be too soon.
3. Virginia Beach Rock 'n Roll half - New York 26.2

Question.
What kind of rides/training should I start doing on the bike? Should I join a group or go solo at my own pace?

The 2x balance program sounds like a wise decision. And June 7 is very do-able. I say you should go for it. What's the worst thing that can happen? You finish a race that most people wouldn't ever contemplate attempting?

Finally, as for riding, just get out there and do it. Group rides are fun, but for the first week or so, I'd focus on learning the feel of your bike. Just ride a bit and get used to aerobars and shifting and braking before you jump into a group of cyclists.

When I first started riding, I had seat issues, but then I splurged for a bike fitting. It took a few hours to do, but since then, no problems.

Of course, you're also using different muscles, and you're perched on that tiny little seat, and you're doing some big riding. Everything is going to hurt a little.

Keep riding and adjusting. And watch for numbness!

As for stretching, I don't do it. I know I should, but I don't, other than a few quick pulls and shakes and off I go. However, I do try to make 2 yoga classes a week, which have led to some drastic improvement in flexibility.

What does everyone else think re: stretching? Before you go out? After you get in? During? All 3?

This morning, I'm off to do my long run -- remember the group goal? go long? -- and then hopefully a short ride later today to stretch the legs a little. How's our group doing? Good workouts this weekend? 

Wow - all of you are so inspirational with your dedication and workouts!  I keep reminding myself that everyone was once a complete beginner like me, so not to worry.  Slow and steady, right?

Ok - to catch up.....my three summer goals:
1)  maintain a consistent training schedule that includes weight training (when schedules conflict, I tend to let the strength training go.  Can't afford to do that anymore.  Must get that in at least 2x per week)
2) complete my first ever Sprint Tri in June!
3) Increase lean body mass by xx% (I'm in the process of switching gyms to one with a pool.  I need to do a baseline on my body mass to give myself an appropriate goal)

As for this weekend's go long....the cold is getting better.  I got outside on my bike for the first time this season.  Yep - forgot about how much the wind affects you.  It was slower than I wanted, but I did get in 9 miles before my nose was running waaay too much and the cough kept coming back.  Next weekend is supposed to be beautiful, so a much longer ride is in store (and this pesky cold should be gone by then or else!)

So, how do you all handle setbacks in training like colds?  Do you just do lighter sessions? What do you do when your body just wants to sleep?