Southwestmba/Andy's excellent adventure group-Full (Page 3)

Andy,

 Thanks for sharing such great info on the Rev3 Quazzy. I heard about the hilly course, and I'm tring to train using some hills, I'm a bit limited as I live on a mostly flat Island (Nantucket MA) But I'm finding a few hills to work on. It's a bit funny- I keep running up and down the same hill.

Thanks again,

Susan

I'm curious about your Computrainer workouts. (That thing is awesome.  It's on my wishlist to work up to my HIM and IM next year.  I'm waiting until they finally get the new software).

What kind of profiles do you ride?  Do you do any of the drills?  How much do you use the diagnostics (like spin scan)?  Do you use it to pre-ride any of the courses?

I've got some mroe bike questions, but I'll just leave it at this for now.

Andy,

If there's still room I'd like to join your group.

Hey Royersford!  I am looking to get some guidance on becoming a triAthlete this summer and would appreciate any help you can give.  I am moderately athletic and currently training. Born & raised in Pottstown  and went to ST Pius a long time ago. Have a few good friends  from Springford. Live in DC area now.

Hee is my situation. I am a 55 yo male who is overweight and somewhat out of shape. Was 5 10" and 214lbs. Started back into training Feb  and completed  5, 8 and 10 k races recently. Lost about 12 lbs and 2 inches so far 

• I strength train at a cross fit gym 3 -4 x a week. 
• As I am heavy I run almost exclusively on a treadmill and only run outside on race day. So far I am pleasantly surprised this works ok.
•  I do use a HR monitor. 
•  I am an avid biker. Doing a 35 mi ride this weekend. 
• I am following the paleo diet plan to drop more weight.

 SO I have not swam in years and have no idea how to get started except jump in a pool and start swimming a few laps i guess. Any thoughts on how to build a successful swimming program?

Jim

Hi Andy. I would like to join your group. I am a newbie looking for answers to questions I didn't even know I needed to ask. I have learned so much by being on the runnersworld forums this past year while training and so I am going to try that same tactic here if there is room.

I am a married mother of 4 little ones (10,9,6,2) who keep me really busy. I also work occasionally as an ER and ICU nurse. My biggest training struggle is fitting it all in with my family commitments. I have to work hard at keeping my priorities straight. I have always been active and worked out at the gym. After we moved to the cleveland area 9 years ago, i found myself without my favorite gym and no childcare opportunities so I started running before DH went to work every morning. Running is definitely my strong suit. I did my first marathon in 2005 after baby #3 and have since ran 5 more, most recently, Boston in April. I've done countless other half marathons, 10 milers, 15, 10 and 5ks. I've always been interested in "someday" trying a triathlon. A few months ago, a friend asked me to do the cleveland triathlon for a charity group and i quickly said yes. Lately, I have felt a little intimidated by the olympic distance that I signed up for but excited nonetheless. She assures me that if we get closer to the date and I need to change my distance that that can be done.  At present, all I have is a mountain bike that I have played around with riding with my kids, etc for years. On sunday, I did 13 miles. I would definitely say that swimming is my greatest weakness (although I surprised myself by completing a very slow and sloppy mile in the pool today). Today, through these forums I found the 0-1650 program and decided to give it a try. I think it went well. It only called for 700meters but my training program called for 1650 so I did the first 700 the way she suggested and then finished the rest anyway I could. I am hoping to be able to afford some lessons soon to see if they can help me become more efficient and comfortable in the water. Having just spent a small fortune in Boston at the marathon, I am hesitant to drop any more cash on swimming lessons and a bike. A girlfriend has offered to loan me her road bike. I am going to take it to my local bike shop and see what they think about the fit,etc.

I have no time goal in mind for this which is the most appealing factor of the race for me. I have been chasing marathon times for years now and after qualifying and running boston, i am happy to have an event where my goal can be "just to finish". I also feel that my body has adjusted to the mileage that i have accumulated and the weight loss has plateaued for a while now. I would like move the last 10-12 pounds that i have been hanging onto since baby #4. I think if I do that, I could improve my marathon time. Im hoping the different training may help me jump start that process.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you all better... Train Happy!

thanks for your reply, andy. I wasn't sure I made it into the group, under the wire!

Thanks for the advice. I am not underestimating the bike at all. The 13 miles on sunday were not easy for me and I am stressed about finding a bike that fits so that i don't get injured. That may be one of my biggest fears- not getting injured doing these things that i know literally nothing about.

Last year I competed in my first triathlon, a sprint and did a 5k. For this season I've done a 12k and will be running my first half marathon on May 8th. I'm planning to do a sprint tri in June and September. I am considering doing the Tri Rock Seattle on July 17th. Would like to do the Seattle to Portland ride in 2012.

My training this season has been run oriented in preparation for the half marathon. I do most of my training by myself.  I am seeing a huge improvment in all three sports over where I was at this time last year.

I have enjoyed cycling, swimming, and physical activity since I was a child. As much as I enjoy working out, all forms of exercise ended after my son was born. I new things needed to change when I went for a walk and couldn't even go a mile. I started walking and joined a gym. Seven years ago I started playin rec soccer and have lost 25 pounds. I also hike and cross-country ski.

This is a milestone year for me as I will be celebrating both my 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary later this year. I have a 16 year old son and a 21 yearold daughter.

thanks, Lisa

Last year I competed in my first triathlon, a sprint and did a 5k. For this season I've done a 12k and will be running my first half marathon on May 8th. I'm planning to do a sprint tri in June and September. I am considering doing the Tri Rock Seattle on July 17th. Would like to do the Seattle to Portland ride in 2012.

My training this season has been run oriented in preparation for the half marathon. I do most of my training by myself.  I am seeing a huge improvment in all three sports over where I was at this time last year.

I have enjoyed cycling, swimming, and physical activity since I was a child. As much as I enjoy working out, all forms of exercise ended after my son was born. I new things needed to change when I went for a walk and couldn't even go a mile. I started walking and joined a gym. Seven years ago I started playin rec soccer and have lost 25 pounds. I also hike and cross-country ski.

This is a milestone year for me as I will be celebrating both my 50th birthday and 25th wedding anniversary later this year. I have a 16 year old son and a 21 yearold daughter.

thanks, Lisa

What happens in Vegas, doesn't always stay in Vegas.  This morning I did 5 miles up and down the strip.  Didn't think I was that slow, but there were a lot of intersections, dodging people, and even "hill" workout going up over the overpasses.  Good run.

Andy - do you use any of the power information on the Computrainer?  Do you have a powertap?  How do your CT rides compare to the real thing?

Phaethon - thanks for the kind words.  I'm getting my mojo back, and really focused on making this a good rebuilding year, and moving up to longer distances next year.

So...triathletes don't wear sox??

That there is almost the deal breaker, I like my Thorlo's! I'm fairly certain I'm wearing them, I wasn't intending on placing anyways, but then something else dawned on me, what about the sand on your feet? Surely that is a tad abrasive but I haven't seen anyone rinsing off their feet as they head to the transition area after the swim, I've been checking out videos...so, am I missing something?

Then how do you incorporate that into your outside rides, such as for races?

I love this forum. i hadnt even thought about the sock and sand issue. Wow! I have a lot to learn!...and i am definitely wearing socks!!

Lake NW- I'm with you- I guess, I don't even know, what I don't know. I'm beginning to realize I have a lot to learn also.

Andy- or Anyone-I'm in the market for a wetsuit, any tips on choosing? Full suit vs half vs arm less?

and any brand you may like over another?  as I'll need to buy on line without tring on (one of the disadvantages of living on an Island) I did find one store willing to send me a few suits to try on - anyone ever heard of "Neo sport" line?

Thanks all,

Susan

Okay team, I need some bike inspiration.  It's my weakest link, it's the longest part of a race, and yet I am having such a hard time motivating myself to get out the door on bike days!

I think the main issue is that it takes me 30-60 minutes to snake through Manhattan and get somewhere I can actually ride without stopping, so the junk miles are frustrating to me...I'd rather walk out the door and go run, or get on the train that takes me to the pool near my office, you know?  I'm also terrified of downhills...in races I pass people on climbs who then zoom past me on descents.  How can I get over this fear?  And also create some fun and interesting workouts that outweigh the city riding frustration and make the most of my time in the saddle?

ID,

I also deal with some "Junk Miles" if I want to ride my big loop.Mine being more like 10-20 mins. But I try to think of this time as getting better aquainted with my bike. It's like getting two workouts in one. One that I can ride fast and hard, and one getting use to maneuvering thru the crowds. Maybe you will be so comfortable with your bike, you will be able to get out of T1 and into T2 with the ease of a pro.