General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM? Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 81
 
 
2009-08-14 2:36 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I have been doing a bit of research on the Oly and HIM distances for next summer and fall. Rev3 has Oly and HIM in early June quite near me and I've heard is a good race and HIM distance in Sept within driving distance. I May shoot for that (Oly June HIM Sept). The MDot races I've found near my time frame are Rhode Island, Ontario or New Hampshire are too Early, too Hot, too Hilly. I'm still thinking and would love suggestions. I know I'd be a bit behind you all but I may also try for an Oly in late winter in a warm climate.


2009-08-14 4:59 PM
in reply to: #2347852

User image

Master
1322
1000100100100
Chicago
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Welcome Losta -

Congrats on your sprint and on the 20lbs! Well to answer you question about when for me... I'm not positive my original plan was to do steelhead 70.3 which is in Aug 2010, but I'm toying around with an earlier season race. There doesn't seem to be a very early one around here though.

I actually am insanely considering IMWI... but I keep trying to talk myself out of it. I know it's not the best of ideas most everyone tells me it's better to wait, and I KNOW should wait but for some reason I keep veering in that direction. If I do that there is a local training group that is 7months long that begins in Feb that I can sign up for.

Like you I need a race to keep me focused because last year after I didn't sign up for anything after my Oly I slacked and I'm only now starting to approach the same fitness level as then. This is why I signed up for the 15k race on Nov 1st. Still searching for the "right" race after that though. I'm still searching for races in this time-frame so sadly I'm not of much help there. Maybe I should figure out if I can swing the same Cali Race the other girls are doing.

I'm sorry about your knees... Hopefully the weight loss will help a lot with the discomfort.

As for if we should move this group I don't know... Up to the others I guess.

Found out the our mini - tri practice tomorrow morning is a short swim 300-400m about 8 mile bike and 2 mile run, and we will be running through it twice so it should be sorta fun.

2009-08-14 6:15 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Re moving the thread - I have participated in mentor groups and challenges and found them both to be very helpful.  (I was in a mentor group with KathyG and QueenZipp and they were wonderful mentors.)  But for some reason, for me, these groups seem to add another level of stress to the whole thing.  I am so happy with this little group right here, kind of under the radar.  The challenge and mentor groups tend to have more people, and that's more people to keep track of and it seems more responsibility toward them.  Don't worry - these are my silly issues.  I wouldn't turn away anyone that wanted to join our little nutso group, but I am quite content with it being here and personal and intimate. 

We are each other's mentors.  We each bring a little different experience and expectation.  None of us has said we are an expert - we are just kind of fumbling our way along, trying to get or maintain fitness, lose a little weight, have fun, get a sense of accomplishment, etc.  We all have done tris, some more and some less, but we can all share the experience. 

And that's what I think!

Now for today.  I went to Crossfit today (haven't logged yet, but will) and slightly twisted my left ankle stepping off the box.  I can walk on it, no limping, but it does hurt a little.  So, it doesn't look like running will happen this weekend.  I have a hilly bike ride planned for tomorrow and figure the ankle won't interfere with that.  I got a new gear thingy on my bike and that is supposed to help me with hills.  Wish me luck.  My HIM is in less than two months and  I really REALLY need to get practicing on hills.  If I don't finish the race, it will be because of the bike portion.  This HIM is primarily a check for what I need to do for California 70.3 and a possible IM next year. 

For food, I have been doing The Zone more or less for a month or two and have been fairly strict with it in the last week.  I have been reading up on it and the Paleo diet and I am becoming more and more convinced that somewhere around the Zone and Paleo is where everyone ought to be.  I suspect that I will end up Paleo, but right now I am Zoning.  How about you guys?  What is your nutritional plan for weight loss and a healthful program? 


2009-08-14 6:54 PM
in reply to: #2349772

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Did you get a new freewheel with different gear ratio? If not what? I'm interested. I'm a hill wimp.
Which HIM are you doing in 2 months?

LeahDD - 2009-08-14 7:15 PM

I got a new gear thingy on my bike and that is supposed to help me with hills.  Wish me luck.  My HIM is in less than two months and  I really REALLY need to get practicing on hills.  If I don't finish the race, it will be because of the bike portion.  This HIM is primarily a check for what I need to do for California 70.3 and a possible IM next year. 


Edited by losta 2009-08-14 6:54 PM
2009-08-14 7:22 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I lived in S.D. and S.F. CA in the 80's and 90's and I remember joking with my poor friends back east at their horrible winters as I puttered around the garden in a light jacket, but alas, I am once again a right coaster.

70.3 in Oceanside is way too early for me. I have to be real about my goals and I just know coming through the winter will be hard enough to do a Oly so right now my goal is Oly early June and HIM distance August-September. Though if my training goes well I may look towards a travel Oly in a warm place for Feb-March get away.

How should I work on a training plan for that? I know most are plans are 16-22 weeks it would be 42 weeks for Oly and 56 weeks to a mid Sept HIM. Has anyone tried any other online coaching?

By the way, my name is Lisa.

Edited by losta 2009-08-14 7:33 PM
2009-08-14 9:05 PM
in reply to: #2349810

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
losta - 2009-08-14 4:54 PM Did you get a new freewheel with different gear ratio? If not what? I'm interested. I'm a hill wimp. Which HIM are you doing in 2 months? 


I know next to nothing about bikes.  I was working on hills and becoming very, very discouraged.  I had this hilly HIM coming up on October 10 and I couldn't make it up these long inclines.  It is one thing to walk your bike up a few feet, but there isn't any way to walk a good part of the uphill half of the 56 miles of a HIM.  I went in and talked to my bike guy and he told me to bike up a certain street.  I tried, but flat out couldn't do it.  I got partway and then had to quit.  I tried it again the next day and in the process messed up my chain and couldn't get the chain back on.  So, I took my bike in.  When the bike guy saw my bike he said that even the guys that he knew couldn't ride up that street with my bke and he was amazed that I got as far as I did.  He said that most people who ride that kind of hill have three rings and I only have two.   So, I now have some hope.

So he changed something.  I'm sorry, all I know is that it is the gear thingy in the back of the bike.  Gear ratio makes sense, but I don't know for absolute sure.  Anyway, tomorrow is my day to try that hill again with the new gear thingy.  It is still a two-ring bike, but I am very hopeful of making it up.  I am supposed to report to my bike guy as to my progress and I will find out what the thing is called.

My HIM on October 10 is the Magic Mountain Man (M3) HIM.  I also have an oly on October 4, which makes very little sense.  The oly is the LA Tri and I have done it every year since it started in 2000 and I simply can't miss it.  This is the first year for the M3 and I want to be in at the beginning.  The LA Tri used to be in early September and this is the first year for it to be in October. 

If I finish the M3 HIM well enough (ie - no walking the bike and finish before the cut off times), I will probably commit to an Ironman in 2010.  I am not getting any younger and if am going to do an IM, I need to get it done sooner rather than later.  If I do commit to an IM, then I will get a three-ring bike because so many of them have hilly bikes. 

No matter what, I am committed to the California 70.3 in March.  I am already signed up and it is a race that will sell out. 

The above is probably more info than you were looking for, but I hope it helps.


2009-08-14 9:22 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
It probably was the freewheel since your chain ring is still a double. Next time you see you bike mechanic ask how many teeth your freewheel has. I am considering putting a new freewheel 12-27T on my bike.

Best of luck with your hill test tomorrow, I'm looking forward to your report. Sounds like you are quite experienced.
2009-08-14 9:26 PM
in reply to: #2349840

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
losta - 2009-08-14 5:22 PM I lived in S.D. and S.F. CA in the 80's and 90's and I remember joking with my poor friends back east at their horrible winters as I puttered around the garden in a light jacket, but alas, I am once again a right coaster. 70.3 in Oceanside is way too early for me. I have to be real about my goals and I just know coming through the winter will be hard enough to do a Oly so right now my goal is Oly early June and HIM distance August-September. Though if my training goes well I may look towards a travel Oly in a warm place for Feb-March get away. How should I work on a training plan for that? I know most are plans are 16-22 weeks it would be 42 weeks for Oly and 56 weeks to a mid Sept HIM. Has anyone tried any other online coaching? By the way, my name is Lisa.


Lisa - I have never followed a training program.  If I do an IM, I will probably get a bike coach and I might try a training program (but probably won't).  I know that people like the training programs that BT has to offer.  I just figure that if I train for the distance for each of the three sports, I will be able to do whatever race it is.  I know where I am starting out and I just work on adding distance and speed workouts and hope for the best.  I have never done a "brick" workout, although I have done two different workouts in the same day, but just not back-to-back bike-run workouts.  No reason other than that would take a lot of time that I generally don't have.  I don't train with any groups for the same no-time reason. 

Anyway, I think my HIM in October is too soon, but like I said before, it is the inaugural one and I want to be in on it at the beginning.  I do believe (meaning, I hope)  I will be ready for the California 70.3, but you are probably wise in holding off.  Do you have a warm weather oly in mind for Feb-March? 
2009-08-14 9:31 PM
in reply to: #2349772

User image

Expert
684
500100252525
Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I don't stick to a particular diet, but I do count my calories (currently sticking to 1800-1900 net) and journal my food daily. I have read Paleo Diet, and eat a diet very close to that most days. But I have a hard time giving up the foods I love which are a daily no-no on Paleo, namely cheese, greek yoghurt, corn tortillas, chocolate milk. I'm pretty good about sticking to fruits and nuts for snacks. Currently OD'ing on fresh blueberries... Drink very little, and once a month or so I'll have a eat anything I want day to stay sane which usually means pizza and cupcake or chocolate day. I keep sweets and breads out of the house on a general basis to avoid temptation. I haven't tried hard core Paleo yet, but i'm tempted to at some point, just because it seems to make a lot of sense.  Then again i'm a firm believer you should be able to eat whatever you want - in reasonable quantities.

kiri

LeahDD - 2009-08-14 4:15 PM

For food, I have been doing The Zone more or less for a month or two and have been fairly strict with it in the last week.  I have been reading up on it and the Paleo diet and I am becoming more and more convinced that somewhere around the Zone and Paleo is where everyone ought to be.  I suspect that I will end up Paleo, but right now I am Zoning.  How about you guys?  What is your nutritional plan for weight loss and a healthful program? 

2009-08-15 1:58 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Well, I compromised on my biking today.  I got a late start and it was too hot.  I didn't want to attempt a ride up Chantry Flats and fail, just because of the heat.  So, I stayed in the big ring and did work on hills, just not the long stretch of hill on a winding, narrow mountain road.  I got in 11 miles.  Better than nothing.  I will need to get up much earlier tomorrow and try my hill. 

What does everyone else have on tap for today?
2009-08-16 10:33 AM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
More compromise (new definition of compromise).  I didn't get out of bed early enough to bike up Chantry Flats.  I think my subconscious is afraid I can't do it, or knows perfectly well that I can't do it, or something.  The hill must be conquered.  If not now, when?




2009-08-16 11:41 AM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Veteran
125
10025
West Hartford, CT
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
? Maybe - but I am right there with you - I am planning one for next year (I just did my first tri ever this past summer) so IDK. Maybe we both belong in the asylum LOL
2009-08-16 3:44 PM
in reply to: #2351443

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Which HIM are you planning for next year?

thirdsacharm - 2009-08-16 12:41 PM

? Maybe - but I am right there with you - I am planning one for next year (I just did my first tri ever this past summer) so IDK. Maybe we both belong in the asylum LOL
2009-08-16 3:45 PM
in reply to: #2351376

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Maybe it just wasn't the right weekend. Try again on a better day.

LeahDD - 2009-08-16 11:33 AM

More compromise (new definition of compromise).  I didn't get out of bed early enough to bike up Chantry Flats.  I think my subconscious is afraid I can't do it, or knows perfectly well that I can't do it, or something.  The hill must be conquered.  If not now, when?


2009-08-16 4:04 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Master
1322
1000100100100
Chicago
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
LeahDD - Just go for it. I think you're psyching yourself out too much. Worst that can happen is you need more work before you can concur them fully, but remember the bike guys were impressed how far you got before the changed your set-up so you never know you might be able to kick *** today.

I worry about hills too because of my weight and because of the lack of hills here to train on in Chicago. My races so far have only have the most minor of rollers. I know IMWI has some un-relenting rollers and can be surprisingly technical. My plan is to do some strength work on the legs and make some spinning classes over the winter to help beef up the engine while continuing to lose the weight. If I do end up going for WI I'm going to have to take some trips to the burbs to find me some hills. I also only have 2 rings on my bike so it's not exactly a climbing bike.

Anyway the mini-tris went well yesterday. I had to cut the last run down to one loop because my heel was bothering me. I have a 1hr run planned today which I'm going to do on the treadmill (It's raining) so hopefully It won't bother me further today.

What kind of bike do you guys have? I have one of those Javelin's that were on sale last year. It's the "Fara" model a fairly nice road bike.

Edited by IdealMuse 2009-08-16 4:06 PM
2009-08-16 6:40 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I spent the weekend at a the home of some friends about a 2 hour drive north of my home. It was my first time there and I have dubbed it "My Triathlon Training Camp". Less than 100 yards from their back porch is a nice lake where I swam and canoed this weekend. The water temp seemed about 72 at the surface for about 12 inches but cooler below. This morning I went for a 2 hour bake ride in the rolling hills surrounded by farms and fields I only saw about 2 dozen cars in the entire 2 hours then I saw in the lake. Nice!

I have a Trek 2.3 WSD road bike with a double crank (it also comes in a triple and often wish I got that one). I may get a tri bike either this fall when I find a good end of season deal or as a reward for some accomplishment I have yet to set.

Edited by losta 2009-08-16 6:44 PM


2009-08-17 2:04 AM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Expert
684
500100252525
Portland, Oregon
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Hey all,

Ride hills, hills are your friend. If you can't find hills do intervals in the highest gear (big chainring up front, smallest cog in rear) you can possibly pedal. Alternatively pick a middling gear ratio and do your entire ride in that gear - hills and flats all of it. If you can't ride up a hill - ride up as much of it as you can and walk the rest (there is no shame in this). Spin up it in your lowest gear (small chainring up front, biggest cog in rear). I have pedaled my fat arse up some ridiculous hills both with double chainring and triple chainring. Yes it happens slowly - sometimes at 4-5 mph, but it happens. You can most definitely do it. Stay seated, spin, keep your eyes on the road ahead of your front tire, and go! We have killer hills here - three mile hills - 16 mile hills - with any hill you just have to find your rhythm and go... As soon as you psych yourself out you're finished - just keep the eye on the prize - the downhill on the other side!

I commute on a Surly Cross Check fixed gear bike (single), tri on a Cervelo P1 (double), and tour on a Surly Long Haul Trucker (triple).
2009-08-17 2:28 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Thanks all for the encouragement re the hills.  I think I will give it another go on Thursday morning. 

I ride a Bianchi bike.  It is yellow.  More than that I don't know. 

The question came up about tracking the workouts via Garmin or other device.  I use a Garmin 305, which I absolutely love.  I would not be able to walk to the post office without it.  I upload whatever it is I do and the Garmin website does these cool things and provides all sorts of data.  Does any of that actually help me in my training?  Not directly, but it sure does help to get me out there because then I get to come home and upload and see what the elevation gain REALLY was, see how far I went, the correlation between elevation, speed and HR, and see all what went on.  I just ordered a Garmin cadence sensor from Amazon and should have it by the end of the week.  Not sure whether that will help me at all, but it was under $40 and it just might.  I have never used one of these or even seen one in action. 

I am able to upload my Garmin workouts to the BT logs as well.

Other than that, all I use are swim cap, goggles, bike and running shoes.

So, what does everyone else use and how does it help you?

2009-08-17 2:29 PM
in reply to: #2351443

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
thirdsacharm - 2009-08-16 9:41 AM ? Maybe - but I am right there with you - I am planning one for next year (I just did my first tri ever this past summer) so IDK. Maybe we both belong in the asylum LOL


Welcome to the Nutso HIM group.  Do you have a HIM already picked out? 
2009-08-17 2:59 PM
in reply to: #2353814

User image

Master
1322
1000100100100
Chicago
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I have the cadence sensor on my Garmin/Bike and I really like it. I know I tend to mash at a lower cadence so it's useful to see that number so I can try and increase my turn-over. Plus, I love being able to upload the distance/time etc and see it on the map same as the run. It's also nice because I'll get a distance on the trainer too when before I had no idea how far I was going...

I don't really have much fancy equipment Just my garmin 305, my bike, and a sleeveless BlueSeventy.

Although, I'm thinking about getting a swimp3 for music when re-join the university pool in September. They have a yearly membership for people living in the community. It ends up being like 25/mo which is awesome the only thing is the pool closes when classes aren't in session, but for that price and the fact that it's within 2 miles and I can walk there it's an awesome deal. Figured having some tunes might make the endless laps more bearable.

Weight loss was only 1lb this week. A bit annoying as it was 2 lower earlier in the week, but what-cha going to do. I'll get there.
2009-08-17 5:44 PM
in reply to: #2353921

User image

Expert
1773
10005001001002525
San Gabriel Valley, California
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
IdealMuse - 2009-08-17 12:59 PM I have the cadence sensor on my Garmin/Bike and I really like it. I know I tend to mash at a lower cadence so it's useful to see that number so I can try and increase my turn-over. Plus, I love being able to upload the distance/time etc and see it on the map same as the run. .


What does it mean to "mash at a lower cadence?"  What should I be looking for when I get my sensor?  Most of my bike riding is done riding to work and that is only about once a week and the ride is in traffic.  Does that affect how I view cadence?  As you can see, even though I have been doing triathlons for ten years, I know next to nothing about biking.   All I know about cadence is that you want to ride smoothly and a cadence sensor is supposed to help with that.  Thanks.


2009-08-17 7:07 PM
in reply to: #2354295

User image

Master
1322
1000100100100
Chicago
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I'm by far no expert either so take what I say with a grain of salt. From what I gathered it's better to have a higher cadence (I usually hear in the 90-95 range for most people?) because it both saves the legs for the run and is the most efficient use of power vs. speed.

However I do think my body is more comfortable peddling slower. I'm not sure if that's because how I'm built or if it's just I'm not in shape enough yet to be able to move my legs quick enough without getting too winded.

I tend to fall somewhere in the 70-85 range. If I try and stay at 90 I not only go slower and have to have a lower gear, but I also feel much more tired. So when I say mash I just mean I tend to use more leg strength and push the peddles harder then someone who spins them around quickly.

However I hear there are professional bikers who do it both ways so it might just be an individual thing?

I guess I'll find out as I get stronger on the bike.

I'm not sure how riding in traffic would effect things.

Edited by IdealMuse 2009-08-17 7:09 PM
2009-08-17 7:18 PM
in reply to: #2354295

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Cadence is how many revolutions per minute your pedals do. My average cadence is between 65-90. 65 on hills, 90 on fairly flat or slight downhill. I have a Garmin 705 which is a great bike computer it has a big color screen and shows any number of things, cadence, speed, heart rate, time, distance. I can set it up with 4-6 sections. It also has maps and navigation. The Garmin 305 is a nice little wrist unit. I am about to put mine up for sale if anyone is interested. It is only about 3-4 months old. I replaced it with the 310XT.

I haven't been uploading all my workouts to BT but I do save them on my computer. It is just too much data and I prefer it to be more private.

I listened to a podcast of a top female triathlete not long ago and she said she mostly keeps a cadence of 65 she must be pushing big gears but I thought that was quite interesting.

Edited by losta 2009-08-17 7:20 PM
2009-08-17 7:49 PM
in reply to: #2315925

User image

Master
1322
1000100100100
Chicago
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
Thanks losta I hereby vote you as our resident bike expert
2009-08-17 8:56 PM
in reply to: #2354489

User image

Master
1690
1000500100252525
Metro NY Area
Subject: RE: Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM?
I'm a gearhead techie allright! I accept, though I may be stumped by some issues I'll do my best to find solutions.
I built a bike almost 30 years ago. I bought all the components and frame separately. I don't know how I did it in the old pre internet information age, I guess I've always been a geek.

IdealMuse - 2009-08-17 8:49 PM

Thanks losta I hereby vote you as our resident bike expert


Edited by losta 2009-08-17 8:57 PM
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Have I lost my mind to consider a HIM? Rss Feed  
 
 
of 81