RFP GROUP - CLOSED (Page 3)

Kathy-

 Oh I have had those moments of anxiety as well!  I have found it to be a great motivator to get out of bed at 4:30am to get to Masters swim by 5:30am- the thought of the swim start scares the crap out of me, so before I hit snooze I think of that, and I am out of bed in no time!  I am finding that as I train more and more, I feel more prepared and confident.  It helped riding 80 miles of the IMWI bike course last weekend- that really mentally helped me gain some confidence, knowing that I have climbed the hills twice in a ride and survived.  Now, I know I need to keep training because there is no way I was able to run after that, but one step at a time...

Are you doing IM Louisville?  When is that?

Jenny

Kathy-

 Oh I have had those moments of anxiety as well!  I have found it to be a great motivator to get out of bed at 4:30am to get to Masters swim by 5:30am- the thought of the swim start scares the crap out of me, so before I hit snooze I think of that, and I am out of bed in no time!  I am finding that as I train more and more, I feel more prepared and confident.  It helped riding 80 miles of the IMWI bike course last weekend- that really mentally helped me gain some confidence, knowing that I have climbed the hills twice in a ride and survived.  Now, I know I need to keep training because there is no way I was able to run after that, but one step at a time...

Are you doing IM Louisville?  When is that?

Jenny

Thanks, I'm feeliing it now though. I wiped off my sunscreen and have a bright red face, and my knees, well, they feel old.

Brian - It's fantastic that your kids are racing!  I think a lot of people struggle with the swim. I guess the more you do, the easier it gets. At least your wife made up SO much ground on the bike/run.

As for the minimalist - I bought a pair of VFF, and have worn them a few times, but never really got used to them. I have foot issues so they sit in my closet gathering dust. ......If anybody is a size 42 and wants a pair of FF's....... 

I'm doing Lake George HM. on the 29th. I'm not sure what to expect time wise as for me, it's fairly hilly, and I won't be tapering as such, so really it's more of a measurement of where my marathon training is and how (if) it's progressing

Jenny - The marathon is June 10th at Lake Placid. Bummer you lost your stuff on the ride. Hate when that happens

Kathy - That's exactly what I was telling myself as I ran - "this is meant to be a long slow run". Unfortunately, my HR was high, I was dying and it was still slow lol

Morning all

Just a quick note while esme (age 2) is pretending to wash the floor!!!!!

I managed to do my longest bike ride ever yesterday over the Gower. It was very hilly na d I have so much to learn!!!!! Such as............

1. Do not ride over a cattle grid on a new tri bike that you share with your partner, which he uses for his commute to work. The front wheel is now buckled. Partner not happy!!!!!

2. Need to learn how to ride in a straight line when having a drink, could be dangerous!

3. Do not take new drinks on a long journey. My mate Nick ( who completed the Welsh iron man last year) gave me this energy tablet to put in my water for my long bike ride, which I did. But then i didnt have any water to drink and i felt like this energy drink was literally sucking all the fluid from me. talk about dehydrated!!

4. Need to find a place to put my dried apricots. I had them in my pocket and couldnt open my pocket for ages and in the end had to stop to get them out to eat!!!

5 How can I keep my feet warm? I had thermal socks, normal socks and tights on my feet. I had another pair of running tights on and 5 layers on top, including a fleece and a mac. I also was wearing a scarf. Partner (owen) said ride faster, friend said go on trainer til it gets warm!!! What!!!! this is Wales. I love fresh air but hard being so cold. More socks?

I have so much to learn, on and up!!!!

Matt   

Hi matt good to hear from you! Yes i found it very tricky to fit the training in to start with. But i have managed to persuade two friends to swim with me on monday and wednesday nights. we dont get in the pool till 8.45pm and dont get home til gone 10pm. we can only swim once the kids are in bed. But swimming with the girls really gets me to go as i dont want to let them down and i enjoy a good chat in the changing rooms afterwards too!!!!!! I am afraid I havent got into the heart monitoring yet, but maybe for the future. My partner runs with an app on his phone, maybe its similar to the one you had. I think its hilarious that its a female voice telling him how fantastic he's doing!!!!! My friend has said i could borrow his bike computer, but I'm quite scared of that. Have you used one? I am just sticking to my Garmin at the mo. All my runs and biking are slow at the moment. What date is your tri? What distances?

Love the message about RFP....Relentless Forward Progress!!!! Is it true all triathletes are narcissistic, self absorbed and type A personalities!!!!! Can't remember where I read that. What does BTW mean?

Hi Jennifers I feel for you doing Post Grad and training and working full time. My partner is working full time, running , cricket and doing post grad studying too. It is possible. Will be great to listen to your journey.

Would love to write more but Esme needs to go to the park and see her mates. Glad to see some girls in the group and will be in touch soon.

Thanks for the input so far, getting really excited about training now and glad i joined a group that is so inspiring.

Sun is shining but only 10 degrees

Take care and happy training xx

Brian - That is great that your wife and kids are doing triathlon.  I can understand how it can be tough being the one watching-haha.  I am sure it makes it more enjoyable for them to come out to your races too.  Interested to hear how you like the minimalist shoes.

Deb - Glad to see you back.  Great 17 miler run.  Is this your first full marathon?

Scott - Is it me or are you training harder now than you did for IMWI!  Youa re gonna tear up Branson.  Is that course online and if so how much time are you spending each day on it?  One of my friends had some surgery done and not gonna train this year so i was thinking of asking him if I could use his Compu Trainer for the summer.  Maybe I can start to understand your power language .

Jen - So when you went out and did the 2 loops in Madison was 80 miles your longest ride? I did 50 last night and I guess I could do 80 right now but it would hurt.  I am looking forward to getting out there and riding the course.  By using the Spinerval course video I am kind of getting an idea of it but nothing beats the real thing.  Sorry to hear you lost your pack.  That used to happen to me and then I just got one of those profile design bottle holders with the cartridge holders and I just stuff a tube in between.

Kathy - Welcome to the group.  There are actually 5 of us now doing our first IM's - (You, Jen, KC, Sarah and myself).  So are you still involved in race directing?  Your training is looking really solid.  How do you like working with a coach?

KC - I'm interested to hear how you adapted to your weekend training. 

Matt - Let us know how the LT testing goes.

Diane - ouch on the cattle grid - hope they weren't expensive rims.  As far as everything else here are a couple suggestions.

• On long rides I always take a sports drink and at least two bottles of water.  My theory is you never have too much but if you run out you are screwed.
• You might want to get a Bento Box that fits on yor top tube to store any food or anything else.  Mine is profile design and there are a couple companies that make them - https://shop.sunrisetri.com/item/43752
• You can get some great shoe covers that still allow you to clip in.  great investment especially if you do alot of cold weather riding. http://www.google.com/products/catalog?ix=acb&q=foot+covers+bike&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16214791492659891670&sa=X&ei=himMT-GCIOHq2AWI4KncCQ&ved=0CI0BEPMCMAQ

So I missed my first key workout this weekend - I was supposed to do a 1:15 long run on Saturday but with my show on Friday and not getting home until 2:15am - then with the kids getting up at 6:30am I was exhausted.  Evan is now in baseball so he had practice from 4:00-6:00pm so I had a small window from when Josi got home from work at 1:30 until 3:30pm and I decided to take a nap.

Josi and I were going out for dinner (which we never do) so I didn't want to push myself too hard and then be exhausted all night.  I feel kind bad for putting it off but in the long run it really is not gonna affect me (at least I hope).

Hope everyone has a good week of training...

Good Morning Team.

I am back on the grid . Had a great weekend - Saturday golfing with some of my students in a tournament. We won which is cool because now they actually know I can golf and not just talk about golfing LOL. Nice day away yesterday shopping and relaxing and probably had the best night sleep I have had in years last night. I am all rested going into my recovery week - so I may push a few workouts longer than the plan calls for.

Tim - thanks for response on what to do about missing a workout. I still feel guilty but that just means I will make sure I pay attention to details going forward and I know it won't have a big effect. Therefore, same advice right back at you for missing your run - you will be fine. I would also say, Log the Band Gigs - hell I am logging golf! Put it under Zumba or Aerobics .

KrazyTallChick Kathy - first, awesome handle  and second, welcome to the group - looks like you have some great experience and I look forward to maybe meeting you in Louisville - I have signed up to volunteer this year. I had such a great time watching that race last year I have decided to go down and lend a hand this year. I will be at the swim practice on Saturday and in the Transition area in the morning on race day.

Brian - sounds like a great time supporting the family. I have Newtons and have been using them since early last spring and I really like them.

Jenn - welcome to the group again.

IceMan - looking forward to you sharing some of your new Coaching knowledge with us.

Deb - great to have you back and glad you are doing well - how do you feel today - recovering from that run?

Diane B - I was going to suggest shoe covers but I see Tim has mentioned that. Sorry about the bike issue hope you get it resolved soon.

Today - swim and short run and I can't wait to do them

Have a great week everyone and safe training.

KC 

Tim, I'm still with Vision Quest.  I can share my Training Peaks info I think and I have CT files you can use too, I think.  I think I can email them. 

Ladies doing the IronMan - My suggestion - tame the anxiety.  Half of IM is mental.  When you get to the starting line you will be fit.  After that, it is all execution and you need your head with you to do it, not off worrying about what MIGHT happen.  Suggestions;

- Picture yourself being successful.  Crossing the finish line.  Do it before you fall asleep.  Do it during workouts.  Remember, more than 9 out of 10 people who start IM finish.  You will too.

- Think positive affirmations while doing your workouts.  I am strong, I am strong.  I can do this, I can do this.  Make them second nature. 

- Stay in a box.  Think about only what is within your power to change right now. 

- Read Terri Schneider's Triathlon Revolution and run her name for a book on the mental game.

IronMan is at least 6 events, swim, bike, run, nutrition, injury prevention and mental strength. 

You can do it.  You will do it.  Remember that the physical feeling of anxiety and the feeling of excitement are the same really.  Whether it is negative or positive rests completely on how you label it.  Instead of I am anxious, think I am excited, I am excited, this is going to rock, it will be the most fun I ever had with my clothes on...I promise, it is.

Tim way to pick up the team RFP!  If you don't care I am going to lurk every now and then to watch how everyone is doing and live through you guys. 

For anyone new to the group you will not meet a finer group of people anywhere online or in person!

David

Hi Team!! 

Today was my recovery day, and was I ever glad it was!  I did not sleep well at all last night.  I had a meeting at school regarding a class I am in for my doctorate, and I was extremely anxious over this.  Long story short, the professor gave a take home midterm and when 1/4 of the class got the same question wrong with the same answer, she assumed that people had cheated and discussed the exam- which clearly was not the case with me.  I am complete Type A personality and borderline OCD when it comes to coursework (Ha, makes sense why I am a triathlete!) so needless to say, I have never been accused of anything like this before.  I met with her today and cleared it up, but the anxiety around the situation for the past week has been tough.  After dealing with that today, I really feel like saying, Bring on Ironman!  So, now I am working on writing up a summary of my research study and getting ready to hit the hay.

Iceman- Thanks for the pointers.  I actually took a psych class last summer on personal excellence, and our professor was awesome- she works with many Olympic and pro athletes, and gave great examples of things to do.  I am still in contact with her, and she is excited to see how I implement those strategies into my training.  I will say that as I do more and more of the training, I feel more and more confident.  I think after riding the course last weekend, that was the first time I felt 100% certain that I can and will finish.  My dad has told me time and time again that while he thinks I am crazy, he knows that given some tough situations I have faced in the past, I have the strength to do anything, including Ironman.

KC- Awesome job on the golf!  That is awesome!  That is one sport I can safely say I absolutely SUCK at.  One time, I lost 14 golf balls on a nine-hole course.

Diane- Ditto on what Tim said about all the things.  When I go on longer rides, I use a bento box on the top tube of my bike- it is so much easier to access food this way.  On the 80 mile ride last weekend, I successfully ate a Honey stinger waffle while riding- for me, this is a very impressive feat.  As for the sports drink- I am also in the "sampling" phase of nutrition.  I usually try stuff when I am at work, so I can gauge how I handle it at rest, and if it passes that test, then I try it while training, but I prefer water, so I always have twice as much water with me while riding.  And I used to wonder the same thing about why my feet would freeze while riding- and then I got toe covers.  They are AMAZING.  Although, I have found the ones I have tend to slide and get in the way of my cleat when clipping in- so make sure to get ones that are snug enough and don't slide.

Tim- Thanks for getting this group up and running again.  As for IMWI- yep, that was my longest ride ever.  I have used the Spinerval DVD as well, and while it is a great preview, the course is so much different in reality.  There really isn't a flat portion at all it seems like.  My favorite part of the entire course is Witte Rd- I was terrified when I rode it in October, because it is literally a roller coaster road, but when I rode last week, I got up to 38 mph on the decent and LOVED it!  Riding out there has helped me prepare for how I plan on attacking each part. Those hills are crazy!

Well, I suppose I should get back to work so I can get to bed to get up for Masters swim tomorrow morning...have a great night!!

Happy Training!

Jenny

Well Hello Coach - great to see you lurking!

KC

Scott - great advice for those of us on the IM journey - thanks.

KC

Good Evening Team.

Great News for me today. My new bike has arrived. I stopped in at the LBS this afternoon for an update on delivery and they got it late last week. I will be fitted later this week or at the start of next week. When I get it I will post a picture.

KC

KC! Congratulations on the new addition to the family

I have been toying with the idea of a new bike, and I have the 'Go ahead' from him indoors, but I just can't pull the trigger. (yet lol) Instead I am heading to Fitwerx for a fitting. Hopefully it will be more accurate than one I had last year, as I had terrible back pain. I also just ordered a wheel cover, which I'm kinda excited about.

My legs feel like I did a gazzilion squats after yesterdays run. I feel like if I could 'just' loose 20lbs I'd be so much better off. Doesn't seem to matter what I do, I stay within the same stupid 4-5lbs.

Tim - Yes, it's my first full marathon.    http://lakeplacidmarathon.com/

Diane - You asked how to keep your toes warm.... You can get these in Boots and other chemisty type shops. They work wonders....  http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/EndecaSearchListerView?storeId=10052&langId=-1&catalogId=11051&stReq=1&searchTerm=toe+warmer&newDepSearch=#container

Ok, so abbreviated story of Skinny Arm Brian.  Someone in a group 2 or 3 aga gave me that nickname after my kids were making fun of my arms.

I have been a runner for years, 6 marathons.  And I love adventure racing.  I have participated in 20+ AR's ranging from 3 -24 hours.  I never really liked riding, only did so to stay in jsut enough riding shape to keep up with my AR teammate.  Did a couple of sprint tris in 2010.  Then at a 2010 holiday party someone persuaded me to get into IMKY.  So, I took to BT and every other training site I could find as I trained for IM.  All the while I said that it would be my 1 and only IM.  I went out, finished 15 seconds faster than my goal (12:29:45)  It was a great day, especially having Coach Dave and KC cheeringme on during the run.  For those of you doing 1st IM, check out my IM video before the race.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQojI_prd8o  Hopefully it will have some motivation factor for you.

Work - I was a stay at home dad for 10 years with my 2 daughters.  This January I started working for a company that produces running events including Chicago Half, Rock N Sole Half, and Mudathlon.  So, I am having a lot more time watching events that I don't get to participate in.

Family - in addition to my daughters I have a 16 year old stepson.  My wife is a runner, trying to get into tri's, but just freaks out in races int he pool.  My daughters participate as well - not sure if it is because they like it or I do.  I do not push them, but put out there that if they want to continue and actually do race a few more times I will upgrade their bikes from bmx style to road style.

Training - have been on the sideline for a while with hip and back injury.  Slowly working back from that.  Plan on doing a few sprint tri's and maybe an olympic this summer.  I am a huge believer in heart rate training.  Would most like to get in shape enough to run another marathon in the fall.

Iceman - Thank you for the pointer.  I know I can complete the IM and all I think about is hearing Kathy, "You are an Ironman" when I cross that finish line.  Plus I want the right to get the tat!

KC - I hope to see you in KY.  Which bike did you get?  Congrats on your new addition.

SkinnyArms - That was a cool video you put together.  I would say you were having fun out there.

Tim - I am no longer involved in race directing.  In St Louis for the Race for the Cure they want everything to be done by volunteers.  I did this about 8 years ago and I told them that it was a full time group and that they needed to look into paying someone.  They haven't and it is still a volunteer, with over 50,000 participants you would think they would look into hiring someone.

Wow!  I didn't realize that there is so many of us doing our 1st IM.  How exciting that we are all doing it together.

Over the weekend during my bike ride my main concentration was to practice eating and drinking on the bike.  It was a good thing I was on roads that were not well traveled by cars as I was all over when trying to reach for things.  My coach says to tape my gels to the bike so I will try that next time.

Hope everyone has a good day!

Good Morning Team.

Brian - anyone who takes up golf or curling is not crazy LOL  - we may be a bit off but not crazy! Do I see another IM in your future?

Good Morning Krazytallchick (how tall are you exactly anyway?)

New Bike is the Specialized Shiv. Here is a picture but when I get mine I will take another picture and post for everyone.

Have a great day.

KC

(kcbike.jpg)

Good Morning Deb.

Thanks for the congrats on the bike. I have a few things to add to it - wheel set, bike computer etc but can't wait to ride that thing.

I am also going to be very picky with my bike fit - with my history of neck issues I know that the long rides will be an issue so I am going to have to find a reasonable middle ground between aggresive and comfortable. I will keep you posted.

KC

You can lurk anytime you want as long as you don't do it from Arizona as since you can now go to jail for that.  Good to hear from you - hope all is well.

That is awesome and I am sure you are totally pumped to get on that thing.  Just don't tip it over while on the trainer .

Tried something new today since I have been having issues getting a lane at the pool before 6am.  I decide do just get my run in before my swim.  I was worried it might hurt my form but I actually felt pretty good.  I could feel my energy down a bit especially doing 2 hrs of workout on only 24oz. of Perform since it was the morning.  Got my 6.5 mile run in then went right down to the open lane in the pool and swam my 2500Y workout.  I think this will help me a ton with my time management because trying to sneak in 1 hour runs during my 30 minute lunch wasn't working very well at work.  

Plus I get such a feeling of relief knowing my workouts are done for the whole day!

Got asked by one of my electrical vendors to go to the Chicago Blackhawks playoff game tonight in a suite.  One of the hardest tickets to come by in Chicago - gonna be awesome but.... I can't overindulge myself with a 6 am brick awaiting me tomorrow morning. Ugh...

Hi everyone!

KC - sweet ride! Can't wait to see it with all the accouterments 

IceMan - x3 on the motivational post!  Some days I am very excited about crossing the finish line and then other days I'm like wtf did I sign up for? Haha!  I will have to print out your post to read on the downer days 

Tim - so jealous you're going to the Hawks game tonight! Have a blast! (and good luck on the wko tomorrow morning )

The long training day Saturday was alright. I swam with masters in the am for an hour, rode my bike home, hopped on the trainer (it wasn't raining but I didn't want to get stuck outside if it did), and then ran outside.  I cut the bike and run in half from what I supposed to do but not too worried about it since I'm already riding the HIM distances and I've got a few more race rehearsal distance workouts in the coming weeks.  This season is way different for me b/c I'm on a totally different training protocol than what I was on last year.  I wasn't doing the big training day/race rehearsals until a few weeks out from the race.  

One thing EN emphasizes is not following the training plan into a brick wall so I adjusted my workout according to what worked for me.  (KC - I've been told by my coaches last year and this year that if you miss a workout you shouldn't try to make it up later in the week. You can move some things around if it was an important workout but don't necessarily double up on a day to try and make up the missed one because it will do more harm than good)  I've also learned to ask myself the question "how will this affect my downstream workouts?"  I made the mistake once of going out too hard during a Saturday workout and it totally messed me up for a threshold test the following Tuesday.  The following TUESDAY!  Can you believe it?  My legs were still trashed from Saturday.  Anyhow, I retested on Wednesday and did much better. I was actually able to make it through the entire test instead of bailing 10 minutes in b/c I couldn't turn the pedals.  

Yesterday I swam with a fellow teammate.  We're both in the masters group but have gone to different workouts.  It was nice having someone to swim with.  we did about 2300m before I had to jet outta there to go pick up my dog.  This morning was bike intervals and tonight I'm gonna finally get my clothes folded and put away!  It looks like my closet and dresser exploded