Big Steve's Group - CLOSED (Page 3)

myred86 - 2011-01-11 9:38 AM Okay- need some opinions please!  My bride and I are doing some investigating on this.  Is it crazy to go from a handful of Sprint Tris to a HIM or is it more logical to do an Olympic before a HIM?  If it is crazy, what's the appropriate way to go about it?  Year 1 Sprints; Year 2 do an Oly; Year 3 do a HIM???  

myred86 - 2011-01-11 12:38 PM Okay- need some opinions please!  My bride and I are doing some investigating on this.  Is it crazy to go from a handful of Sprint Tris to a HIM or is it more logical to do an Olympic before a HIM?  If it is crazy, what's the appropriate way to go about it?  Year 1 Sprints; Year 2 do an Oly; Year 3 do a HIM???  

margarita - 2011-01-11 9:00 PM

I do not think there is such thing as "appropriate" .  Some people take "baby steps" (me including) and feel more comfortable with small increments and others just go for it because they are super athletes and feel ready. I would say this is the question you have to ask yourself "am I ready?"

What were your sprint results? Are you happy with them? Do you feel you are in good enough shape to do a much longer distance? What is your goal for the HIM? Just finish or finish strong?
Also, I am not a doctor but I have read a lot of injury stories where athletes go too fast too soon. Make sure you are ready physically and mentally. 

stevepiv - 2011-01-10 3:16 PM The 3 options below are what my coach gave me last year.  Because I wanted him to create customized rides for me and I wanted the visuals of actual Ironman races I went with the computrainer by racermate.  I love it (but its very expensive).  I've heard good things about the other two as well.

-Steven

Computrainer -  http://www.racermateinc.com/   this is a computer based program.  Benefits are that I can actually create a workout for you and you just download it and do it.  It also has video options, where you can actually ride IM courses.  Most expensive option.  I have one and do swear by it.

Cyclops - Two options here, first is expensive, and is a stationary bike.  I have ridden and it is great.  You can create a ride profile, and insert it into your bike computer.  i have not done this, but it seems easy.  Another benefit, is that the technology is top notch.  Power Tap is the most popular and versitle of all Power Meters
they also have a new option which is a Pro Trainer.  With this you have a handle bar mounted computer which you can also easily load a workout into, and works great with training peaks

Kurt Kenitic - these offer a number of options, but I would stay with a fluid trainer.  They also have different fly wheels so you can make it more challenging.  They sell separately a bike computer that reads power.  I believe this is the most economical.  It doesn't have the bells and whistles, but you would still be able to do some great things

myred86 - 2011-01-12 7:38 AM
Thanks!  Those are great questions to ponder.  I would just be trying to finish a HIM- my biggest concern would be making the time limit!  I'm in decent shape, but FAR from a super athlete.  Really starting to lean towards the Oly first.  Thanks again!
Rob

myred86 - 2011-01-11 12:38 PM Okay- need some opinions please!  My bride and I are doing some investigating on this.  Is it crazy to go from a handful of Sprint Tris to a HIM or is it more logical to do an Olympic before a HIM?  If it is crazy, what's the appropriate way to go about it?  Year 1 Sprints; Year 2 do an Oly; Year 3 do a HIM???  

roberto24 - 2011-01-11 9:04 PM Is it too late to join this great group? I have been browsing the mentor groups and have kept coming back to this one, it seems solid.

poolgod - 2011-01-11 10:54 PM Big Steve,

     Would love to join the group. Much like your story, I am 36 years old and expecting our second child in late June. The thought of going into that experience as out of shape as I am right now scares me. So, I have decided to whip it into shape for the new baby and all that entails. I was a sucessful college wrestler, 15 years ago! I am 5'9" and 206 pounds right now. My goal is to start training now, with weight loss as a goal. I plan on doing The NJ State Tri at Mercer County Park in late July. My goal is to do three sprint races this season, just not sure if an earlier race will be possible while expecting a baby. Wife and family support me in this, so training will not be a problem. I have some competitive cycling from when I was a kid. The bike does not scare me. As a wrestler, I have always been able to run, albeit I hated every step! The swim is a different story. I have no doubt I will be able to pick it up, quickly, but it will be my weakness. Love the positive energy I got from reading your bio and would love to be part of the group. I also live in NJ, so the local knowledge also is a plus.

PS I work in the commercial swimming pool industry, so the username "poolgod" has nothing to do with my ability to swim. But it does allow me plenty of opprotunities to train in the pool.

Justin

stevepiv - 2011-01-12 12:19 PM

I agree with Rita's points. 

It is logical to do an Olympic first but its really up to you.  You have to be REALLY comfortable with the distances and the cut off times.  I would be very disappointed & discouraged by not making the cutoff time.  My advice would be to do the Oly next to build up experience and confidence, but if you really think you can make the HIM go for it.

-Steven

simonewright - 2011-01-12 4:08 AM Hey Steve,

How r u? 

My name is Simone and I just joined this site.  I'm brand spanking new to the world of triathlons.  I got the idea a yr or so ago to do a triathlon.  I didn't know really where to start so it remained just a desire.  Recently, I made up my mind to definitely do a sprint tri bf this year is out. 

I live in Marietta, Ga and I'm currently looking for a pool, sprint tri to participate in this year.  I feel good about ur group from what I read and I would like to join.  This site is a bit overwhelming, but nonetheless I will figure it out.

I have started a little training by running on the treadmill.  I'm going to start my swim training in the next wk or 2 and hopefully when the weather breaks I can add biking to the mix.  My goal is to possibly do an event around late April/May.  I'm trying to fit all this in while being in school and helping to manage my 3 children along with my husband.  It will definitely be tough, but I really want to accomplish this goal.

Any suggestions on where I should start?

Thanks
Simone

P.S. Hope Steven does not kick me out of his group for giving out advice while he is away on business. I'll go hide now.

margarita - 2011-01-12 3:41 PM Steven, I'm only 35 right now. Should I come back in 4 years?

grauch - 2011-01-12 3:40 PM I'm having a hard time finding a plan to follow.  I am currently exceeding the training levels in most of the beginner sprint training plans and don't want to reduce my current load.  If anything, I want to extend for greater calorie burn to continue to work off the spare tire I built up over the last four years.   My logic is that if I'm carrying 45 pounds less, my endurance and speed should improve tremendously.  

stevepiv - 2011-01-12 3:27 PM Looks like we have an awesome group so far. From New Jersey to Australia, wow! I think I'll wait till the end of tomorrow and close admission.  If you have any friends that you want to invite, get the word out quick!

stevepiv	Steven	North Brunswick, NJ	41
Northern ivy	James	NJ
mat13pal	Mat	Freehold & Plainsboro, NJ	30
jamesjong	James	Sydney, Australia	26
Animalcrackers	Jules	Woodland Park, NJ	38
TriToga	Steve	Millburn, NJ	47
Sooner		Orange County, CA	43
Muskwa2	Maureen		40
Grauch	Grant	South Brunswick, NJ	45
Leftrunner	Robert		39
Margarita	Rita	Jamison, PA	35
myred86	Rob	Carmel, Indiana	50
roberto24	Rob	Salt Lake City, UT	34
Poolgod	Justin	NJ	36
simonewright	Simone	Marietta, GA