Boston Beginner's Group, Season 2 - CLOSED (Page 3)

I am no expert in this and I can direct you to who I think may be able to answer your question, but the first thing that comes to mind is - are your feet moving around in the cage?  Also, because you are not "locked in," your knee may be moving around.  That being said, it could be the fit.  I was always told if it's sore, than it's an adjustment, if it's pain, then it's wrong.  

Alana, I had issues with cages, and it was not actualy the cages that caused the problem. Depending on which shoes I was wearing, the nobbies on the sole would grab the pedals in different places. For me, this allowed the bottom of my shoe to help dictate where my shoe would sit on the pedals. Where your foot "locks in" to a clipless is very important. This is why so many cleats allow float so that the foot can move a little to avoid injury. When a foot is locked in, the most important part is that you can pull up with your foot, not complete imobility.

With that said, after a ton of work to refine my cleat placement, I prefer my cleats not to have a floating option. I feel much more in control and it works well with me. I always dread having to buy new shoes or replace cleats because it can take me weeks to get the cleats exactly where I need them to be. I hope this helps.

Welcome Stacey.  You will find that we have a very knowledgeable and motivating group.  Let us know if you have any questions regarding the website or training.  

AlanaF - 2010-04-16 6:55 PM Welcome Stacey.  Your first race is coming up soon!  You are going to have a blast.

  I went and watched a triathlon last year and got so excited cheering for people somebody asked me if I was a volunteer .  I piped down after that.  It really is a fun atmosphere.

Where is Jim (dragonflyer)?  I feel like I'm becoming the chatty one.

I just paged him.  He should be here soon.

It's good to see the gang back together again, plus some new folks.  

I am making a new rule for BBMG - NO INJURIES ALLOWED!

Everyone have a good weekend.

Ok, can only speak from experience for me. I have never been a good runner. I have an accord with running, I tri therefore I try to run. With that said, when I first started to train in 2004, I was a mid 13 minute per mile runner. With a ton of effort, the best result I could find that year was mid 9 minute miles on less than 5k. I do know one year I really kicked some butt and got under 9 minute miles on a 5k. It was very hard for me.

Now with that said, with a consitant 3x per week and some smart training, anything is possible. You will really need to mix up your distance and paces. This means to me that you will probably be looking at a minimum of 5 mile long runs to build endurance and some speed work. The best thing for me was to find a course with mile markers. I would make sure each 1/2 mile split was faster than the one before it. This trained me to have a good finish and helped me find a solid pace I could hold on race day.

Good luck and we will watch your progress.

Of course.  Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself and your upcoming season?

Short answer, yes.  I average around 10:30min/miles.  I have been in races before where the first 2 miles I have gone 8:30 and I did a time trial where I was at 8:15 for 20 mins or so.   I suck at running and if I can get down in the 8's, you can absolutely do it.  You need to find a structure plan where one workout is short distance and sprints, another medium workouts with drills, and then your long workout.  I will look for you .