Jford2309's Group - CLOSED (Page 3)

I use a foam roller for my legs and back. Have you ever used one or heard of a foam roller? It hurts soooooooo good!

Never heard of a foam roller... do share, because I would love to get this cramp out!!!

For the HR monitor question. I am a Dr. but know very little in terms of training with and with out one. I use one, and have been reading a lot about them in this web site, I personally feel that it has helped me keep a good pace without burning out too fast when it's a long work out; I only started training a little over a year now, and a long training session for some of you experienced guys out there is a 10 Mile run or more, for me it use to be tough to do 3 miles, so it really has helped in keeping track of my abilities and progress. Nonetheless I have to agree with James that it might slow you down sometimes and keep you too focused on this little machine and not everything else, but I think that if you test yourself frequently enough and update your heart rate zones you can see your progress and make the most out of every training session.
I used these 2 articles among others on this site and actually did the test on 2/23/10, I logged it today so you guys can see it. 
Lactate Threshold Heart-Rate Zone Testing Protocol
Which Method is Best to Find My Training Heart Rate?

Raul

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/flexibilityandstretching/ss/FoamRoller.htm

http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=9911

Foam roller sites to visit. They are very easy to understand. They hurt like hell, but it helps a lot!

Thanks for the info... a foam roller looks like exactly what I needed!!!  I can't wait to roll the knots in my quads out!!!

Thanks for the replies about the HRM.  I got a Garmin Forerunner 305, and it set up all the zones and everything automatically.  So I'm trying to figure out what's normal.  A funny thing about it is that it will show a graph for hear rate over the entire workout.  The trail I've been using is slightly inclined the entire way, so I see a jump in heart rate when I turn around and start going uphill.  

Another interesting thing I've noticed how quickly my body has adjusted to exercising.  I missed my swim yesterday, and today was an off day.  I've only been training for a few weeks now, yet two days off and my body feels a little off.  I was itching to get out on my bike all day.  

I am always itching to get back to it after an off day, but those rest days are very important! So do not overlook them!

How many days per week should you rest? Someone once told me to work out every other day but I worked out 5 days a week during track and rested on the weekends. 

Good question and I am not sure there is a right or wrong answer. I would tell you to listen to your body and it will let you know when you need a rest day!

Hopefully the weather will hold out for you!

Good luck!!!  I expect to hear from you on sunday telling us how awesome you did!!!  I am running/walking a 5K on saturday so I'll know what my time to beat will be this summer!

Thanks, I just hope the storms hold off for race time!

Good luck on your event also!

I was just wondering if some of you could take a look at this bike. There isn't much info. Do you think this would be a good first bike or should I get a different kind? I want to get one soon.

http://pennstate.craigslist.org/bik/1688432421.html

I found a few more bikes on craig's list but I am just not sure what measurements I would need. I'm 5'7'' with a 32 inch inseam. Help!

The bike that you are looking at is sold by Walmart new w/o helmet for $88 and is intended for off-road use.

I would try to find a good road bike, maybe like this one.

http://pennstate.craigslist.org/bik/1715110552.html


Before you spend any $$, a trip to the local bike shop(s) may be very helpful.  Quite often they will have consignment bikes from customers who have upgraded.

Edited by sastuff 2010-05-01 4:13 PM

sastuff is right!  I wish I would have meet the guys from my cycle shop before I bought my bike.  They know so much and are willing to teach you all of it!!!  Find a shop you like and ask them about getting a new or slightly used bike!

I agree with the above. Talk with your LBS (local bike shop) Many people will trade in bikes and you can get a decent bike for a decent price. We all have budgets, and they can help you find something within your means.

Team, I have been looking at your logs and only about 20% of you guys are logging any workouts. This is my first mentoring group and I want to be sure to give you guys the support you need, but I need to see some activity to try and help you out with.

If there is anything you need, let me know. I want this forum to be a positive influence in your racing and training!

I hope everyone's training is going well.  I've reached week four in my training plan.  It's my first recovery week.  With the much shorter training times, should I go at them at my regular pace or try to push it more since the time is shorter?

And a swimming question while I'm at it, though I suspect I know the answer.  During my last swim I swam a 200. for the last 75 or so, my arms were so tired my form just collapsed. Would I be better off swimming a series of ten 50s with a break between each one and focusing on form? Or should I try to push through one longer swim?  I suspect it's the former. 

Ladlehaus, I am not an expert, but I thinnk you got the answer. Take it easy, considering that it is your first month I would suggest  to focus on form and bulding your base. If you push too hard you might end up injured.

I would go at them regular pace because it is RECOVERY! Recovery is where you will make the greatest strides, so enjoy the recovery week, let your body heal, restore itself or whatever.

As far as the swimming question, you know the answer. In a race, you will not want to stop every 100 and rest would you? You need to go the distance and your arms will get there and so will the form. Build the base like was said earlier.

Hi,
I'm the friend of Ktikbell.  She said you were graciious enough to accept me into the program as a 12th person.  She just showed me how to sign on so here I am.  I'm supposed to tell you about myself...
Goals: to be fit and healthy overall.  In the past 15 years I've put on 20 lbs, take of 10 lbs, put on 5lbs, lose 3lbs...haven't been able to keep it off and need to learn new patterns.  I'm part of the group to start triathlons and will be competing in the Little Miami this Oct.  (The day after my 46th birthday)  I have done many physical activities in the past and have had surgery on my right knee and right shoulder.  I do yoga, been biking and have built up to 30 miles, hate to run but love to hike, I"m an okay swimmer but worry about the shoulder (rotator cuff). 
Ktikbell is going to show me the training log and the rest of the bells and whistles.
Look forward to hearing from you and thanks again.

Wandering1 (if that is your real name lol ) Welcome to the group, please feel free to jopin in any discusiion or ask any question. I do not have all the answers but I can maybe lead you in the right direction. Everyone in the group is able to give inout on any of the subjects. I look forward to helping you reach your goals.

Thanks, James.  I really wasn't sure because everything I read seems to emphasize form and reducing drag in the swim.  I took your advice today and swam my first nonstop 500.  I'm not sure how long it took, but I was faster than the lady next to me doing the breaststroke.