kenj triathletes in training - IM and HIM focused - Closed (Page 3)

robingray_260 - 2013-05-04 1:34 PM

I raced my first ever 10k today!  Guess what I had a PR!  Woke up to heavy, wet snow that never let up (This is May right?).  The trail was a mess with old snow and slush but luckily not much ice.  I paced really well and had a slight negative split. I wasn't passed once we reached the half way turn around, but was able to pass quite a few.  I was hoping for under an hour and came in at 57.37 - I am sure if the trails had been dry and snow-free I would of gone faster, but feel pretty good about it.  I am not sure why I have never done this distance, but really liked it - just long enough that pacing came into play.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

bdenehy - 2013-05-04 8:13 PMahh.. the ugly side of racing, seperate day packet pickups, forced visits to expos, and driving. I'm feeling it. staying at a crappy hotel that only had a smoking room available, just so I could pick up a bib early. I smoked for 20 years and after 6 years without, I still enjoy second hand smoke, OUTSIDE, stale smoke inside always sucked. but I digress... Have a great race!

hoale1985 - 2013-05-04 11:40 PMWould love to join the discussion!

Name: James

Place: Phoenix

History: never have really been a big runner, ect. However my fiancé got me into running about 2 years ago, not racing but just running with her which was great. Ran a few 5k after and did really well considering and then, for some crazy reason, decided I was going to complete an ironman....dont know when but will be done!

I began racing tris last year and world my way up to HIM by the fall race! Ouch...it was a good experience but need to figure out how to improve because I know I can do better so here I train..pounding away.

jennifer65 - 2013-05-04 3:01 PMWell, I did 5k in 32.07 today - which is my best this year..which is good, and I have a 10k race on Monday 6th May (its a bank holiday here), so, in a fit of enthusiasm this afternoon I took to my bed with my training book and smart phone and have sorted a sprint tri for 6 weeks time and then I found a HIM only an hour from where I live on 1st September which I'm sure I could train for. And its cheaper than the one I've withdrawn from. I reckon with a bit of getting up very early on a Sun morning for a bike ride on my own, I can do the training and give my son the time he needs at the moment (not that he thinks he needs me at all..duh). It's the least I could do for being allowed to stay in an IM, HIM mentor group! It's all very exciting jennifer

robingray_260 - 2013-05-04 4:34 PM

I raced my first ever 10k today!  Guess what I had a PR!  Woke up to heavy, wet snow that never let up (This is May right?).  The trail was a mess with old snow and slush but luckily not much ice.  I paced really well and had a slight negative split. I wasn't passed once we reached the half way turn around, but was able to pass quite a few.  I was hoping for under an hour and came in at 57.37 - I am sure if the trails had been dry and snow-free I would of gone faster, but feel pretty good about it.  I am not sure why I have never done this distance, but really liked it - just long enough that pacing came into play.

I hope everyone is having a great weekend!

acv - 2013-05-02 11:03 AM

Ken,

I'm in for another round! I will post a bio later.

 

PS - I think I'm going to take my GPS for the race on Sunday but just keep it in my pocket. I'm going to try and not look at it.

 

PPS - It will be good to get back back to tri training after my HM this weekend! First tri is an olympic.

bdenehy - 2013-05-02 11:34 AM

I would like back in!!!

NAME: bdenehy/Bill Denehy 

STORY: I’m 38 and live in Cold Spring, NY (Hudson Valley).  I’ve done two seasons of triathlon and I am loving it.  The driving factor was my sorry state of fitness and health.  When I started, I was at my heaviest weight and was suffering terribly from a herniated disc and sciatica.  With 3 young kids to play with, I didn’t want to go through life acting like an old man at 36.    I started with dieting and strength training, then transitioned to S/B/R.  I had a background in recreational running from many moons ago but had never swam or biked, and have no history of team/organized sports.  I quickly found that biking is now my absolute favorite activity, but somewhere where I need a lot of improvement.

Training is great, but I LOVE racing.  I’m not at the front of the pack, but if I could fit a race in every weekend, I probably would.  At most races I tend to be in the back 1/3^rd of the swim, middle of the bike, and the front 1/3^rd running, ending up somewhere in the middle.

FAMILY STATUS: I’m married for 10 years with 3 fantastic kids, 2 to 7.  As much as I can, I try to keep my triathlon training/racing separate from family time.  This means very early workouts and the occasional missed training day on weekends. 

CURRENT TRAINING: I like to always have a plan, even if I don’t stick to it perfectly.  I’m currently finishing up a marathon run focused plan and am looking forward to transitioning back into more balance S/B/R, hopefully in time for my first HIM of the season at the end of June.  I always mean to mix strength training back in there, but I can’t seem to make it happen.

2013 RACES:  I’m not going to try another full distance race this year, but will most likely return to that in 2014.  I’m focusing on getting faster at all distances without committing the time I feel I’ll need to get faster at the full distance.  My goal or “A” races for 2013 are a May Marathon, a crazy 30k trail race, and the SOS tri (8 legs, kinda like a HIM in terms of difficulty).  But I’ll also do 2 HIMs, some more running races, and all of the sprints and OLY’s that I can fit in.  The local tri company came up with a season pass idea this year, so I’ll try to get my money’s worth.  I post all my planned races in my training log to keep focused and here to keep up with what the group is up to.

WEIGHTLOSS:  I lost all of the weight that I needed to when I started doing tri’s.  Now I just want to maintain.  I dabbled last year with trying to shave off extra pounds for racing, but just didn’t think it was worth the hassle for me.  I don't eat well and doubt that will change any time soon, but I have made other positive lifestyle changes a result of all this tri training.

WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I spend a lot of time thinking about training (maybe too much).  I do like to share, but like the small group feel of mentor groups. I was a part of KenJ’s group in 2012 and learned a lot and hopefully contributed a bit of what I learned through trial and error.  I’m happy to share and would love to hear from you all.

ramiedd - 2013-05-02 1:43 PM NAME: Ramiedd/ Eddie Ramirez STORY: I just turned 44 and feel better than I have for a long time. I have been a life long cyclist. Mostly recreational, but typically average around two thousand miles on the bike a year. Triathlons were races that I just never thought I could participate in. I hated running and prior to late 2011, I had never ran more than 4 miles at one time. Late 2011, I was riding with a cycling friend who was a triathlete and had just moved into town. I shared with him that it was always something I wanted to do but just did not think I could do it. In that 40 mile ride, he convinced me that I could and I signed up for an Olympic distance race a month away. I did better than expected considering I had not swam in 20 years and running was new to me. I placed 3rd in the beginner category (lost most of my time on the run). I figured I would keep working and building, and signed up for the Rev3 Knoxville half Iron distance in May 2012 and had 5 months to get ready. Again, had a blast, (learned a lot) and finished 6:30 which was not bad considering I had a flat and the terrain is not very friendly to those who are challenge by hills and finally, I fought cramping the entire run/walk. fast forward to now and I have convinced my self that this 2013 is the year I want to tackle a full Iron distance event. Two main reasons are 1. my age and arthritis which runs in my family and I pretty much live with constant joint pain. Not unbearable yet, but starting with my ankles up to my shoulders I live with the discomfort. 2. my kids are 2 and 5 and as they get older it will be a challenge to train and keep up with their schedules etc. We also own a construction company which makes my schedule a daily changing event. I am registered for the Beach 2 Battleship Iron distance race in October and actively training for it. FAMILY STATUS: I’m married for 7 years with 2 kids. Wife works full time and my life is a constant balancing act. CURRENT TRAINING: I am very much self coached, I have tried to research coaching options, but my life is too crazy to have a scheduled training plan. How I work it out right now is 3 runs 3 bike and swim when I can. One short run, one medium run and a longer run. right now I am up to 13 miles on my long run. I fit in a recovery week every 4th week with reduced distances and work load. I fit cycling week days after the kids go to bed in the trainer and 1 long ride outside, but since I am confident on that sport, I just ride when I can. indoor riding is focused with hard intervals. 2012 RACES: Did the Rev3 Half Iron in Knoxville. wanted to do an Olympic later in the year, but life got in the way. 2013 RACES: My goal is to sign up for the beach2battleship iron distance this weekend. If something happens and I can't do the full, I can always reduce it to a half. WEIGHTLOSS: I am right where I want to be right now. WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: I am a good listener and love to research and understand a process. Always have enjoyed advised from people who have tried something and have had success with it. I read somewhere that each individual is an experiment of one so I understand that everyone's make up is different, but I am always open to try.

jennifer65 - 2013-05-02 2:10 PM Hi there - I wonder if I could join this group? My name is Jennifer and I live in the uk. I am 48 and have competed in local sprint triathlons for the last 4 years. I usually finish last - both for my age group and overall but I still enjoy it. However, in a fit of madness I have entered a half ironman for beginning of June next year. This is mainly because I was talking to my tri club secretary about how I would love to do an ironman race in about 3/4 years time and he said that I should get a move on due to my advancing age!! (in a more polite manner but I knew what he meant). And that was the plan..however, since then family issues have got in the way of my training - leaving my motivation on the floor..which is only now coming back..so..I will probably only do my first olympic this year (I say only..really its a big thing for me really).. and hope to focus on a HIM for next year. SO, can I stay? I love hearing about all your races and long distance issues - truly inspiring. I live with a partner and we have two teenage children between us. I been in mentor groups before and I like the idea that people are watching in order to make sure I'm doing the training. Laziness is another of my downfalls. The above paragraph is still true. Ken, you asked me how my training was going and the answer is.. better. I am beginning to understand how important consistency is - and I am getting back to my goals in swimming and running but I am still avoiding the bike a bit. Which is an issue as it is really really the biggest bit of triathlon. I will get there. Jennifer Jennifer Laughing

RunningJoke - 2013-05-02 2:47 PM

Sign me up for another round, please!    STORY:  I did my first sprint tri at the end of 2011 and fell in love with the sport.  Previously I had been a slow but steady runner.  My kids were getting a little bit older and I had time for a hobby...and here I am!  As I remind my husband, it's cheaper than a cocaine habit! I live in New Mexico and I work in an Emergency Department, so my schedule is pretty random, and I struggle with staying consistent with my training.  The learning curve was steep in 2012 and I did 6 sprints and 3 olys, and ended up winning 2nd in my (small) age group in our local point series. FAMILY STATUS: I'm married to a wonderful supportive and non-running husband and have 2 boys age 3 and 5.  CURRENT TRAINING: I'm in "Build 2" following Joe Friel's plan for my A race June 23rd. 2013 RACES/GOALS: My major goal is to improve my performance in the Oly distance.  Last year I was racing the sprints well, but felt like I was surviving the Olys instead of racing them.  I think lack of volume in my training was the problem.  I want to compete in our local point series again with improvements in the Oly races. I'd also like to do my first HIM in the fall, just to finish it. Feb 23 Disneyworld Princess Half Marathon March  Moab Skinny Tire Festival April  Rio Grande Sprint Tri June Billy the Kid Sprint and Storrie Lake Oly (my A race) July City of Lakes Sprint or Oly Aug 505 (between and Oly and a HIM distance) Fall HIM ?????????  Open to suggestions...  The last race in my point series is "Jornada del Muerto" a new HIM, but it's supposed to be brutally difficult.  Shoud be a really small field, though, so it might not be a bad idea, strategically... I'm really excited to be part of such an active group!  Thanks.

Kath2163 - 2013-05-02 3:55 PM I am in.  Will post my bio later. Thanks!

CyborgQueen - 2013-05-02 6:08 PM I'm in for third round...or fourth...lol! NAME: DJ STORY: I'm 34 living in Vegas. I started cycling in 2009, and did my first triathlon in 2010, two more and one Olympic as well as my first Half-marathon. In 2011, I did one triathlon, and focused in school and cycling, and did my second 1/2 Mary. In 2012, I graduated with honors, and did a few triathlons, and mostly cycling. For 2013 season, I have no triathlons planned, but it is possible that I'll do Irongirl, maybe one more. It's really up in the air. I do triathlons for fun. FAMILY STATUS: I've been married for almost 8 months, but been together for over 8 years. :D No kids yet, but I have 5 cats, a dog, and two bearded dragons. I was born and raised in NJ and moved to Las Vegas 5 years ago. CURRENT TRAINING: Cycling focused. I recently finished my first Century of the year (3rd Century), and I have two more coming up in the next couple weeks. I recently started to add strength training (my fault for not starting in the winter), and will remain doing strength training through the Summer and maybe add one or two more Fall Centuries. Depends. :D 2013 RACES: No races, but my "A" Century ride is San Diego Century on June 1st. WEIGHTLOSS: Ptth. still struggling to lose some of the "jello" I've got. I'm hoping that with the extra strength training I will at least look a little more toned. I've been eating better though. Lots of fruits, and substituting junk food for healthy food. I'm not 100% there yet, but my diet is way better than it was last year. I actually enjoy making smoothies! WHAT WILL MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE: Supportive/cheerleader and can give good advice with bike stuff and give some of my experiences. I have not done any HIMs or IMs, but I've read up a lot on various tips that I can relay.

robingray_260 - 2013-05-02 9:23 PM

Ken - I am in again!!!

NAME: Robin

STORY:  This is my 4th year training for triathlons.  Taking that plunge and signing up for my first sprint was one of the best things I have done for myself and I enjoy the training immensely. So far I have only competed in sprints and some Half marathons and longer bike tours.  This year has been my first year training for a longer distance race (FL 70.3) I come from a swimming background and swam in HS.  My husband bikes (road and mountain) so I have a lot of advice there.  Started running for really the first time ever consistently 3 years ago and finished 2 half marathons since then.   I have always been active and enjoy sports, but until I started training for triathlons I never had any real consistency in my workouts. 

FAMILY: I am 38 years old. married for 17 years with 2 kids, ages 7 & 9! Moved to Anchorage, Alaska a year and half ago and am still transitioning to AK life. My hubby is currently training for the Garrett Co. Grand Fondo (120miles, 17,000' of climbing) in June so we fight over trainer hours and gu's as of late, and talk way to much about training!

CURRENT TRAINING: Currently training for a HIM with this week being the last BIG week before taper.  No time at the moment for anything else, though I will be doing a lot more hiking as the weather warms up and snow melts.

2012 races: Last years races were a bit of a bust as a suffered from plantar fasciitis for the first 4 months of the year. Managed to squeak in one sprint, a long bike tour/race and a half marathon.  Also living in Alaska - there aren't many choices in races - nothing longer than 1 olympic in the summer.

2013 races:  My main focus is Ironman FL 70.3 in May. I can't believe it is only 17 days away!!!   My sister in law convinced me to sign up for the Chicago Marathon in October and will start training for it in June. Unfortunately she just tore her ACL and may not be able to race Hopefully a few local sprints/oly and a HM or two as well.

WEIGHT LOSS: The move to AK has been hard on my waistline!  I am currently up about 15 pounds 4 pounds from my race weight a year and a half ago. I do very well during the week, however I seem to sabotage all the hard efforts on weekends. This is something I need to work on as I would love to get back down to my lowest and maybe even lower! Probably won't happen for the HIM, but hopefully for the Chicago marathon

WHAT WOULD MAKE ME A GOOD MENTEE?  I am a great cheerleader for others and love to see everyone around me
working towards their goals and completing them - that is super motivating for me! I am still relatively new to the sport and can remember those firsts and can help others just starting out. Coming off an injury has also taught me a lot about patience and figuring out what my body is telling me.  I still have lots to learn and am super excited to continue the learning process.

This is my 4th 5th! season in KenJ's group and am excited to continue on under his mentorship (this group rocks!).  I look forward to meeting all the new folks!

kenj - 2013-05-05 6:04 AM BTW Robin, 2 weeks from today we will be worrying how to deal with the heat rather than snow!

skitri - 2013-05-05 8:17 AM

DJ - I think that's an individual choice...I see so many on the TT forum who swear that you don't need extra sodium if you're taking gels, etc... I'm a very heavy sweater so I always take a salt pill /per hour on the long bikes (if it's warm). But if you can tolerate eating on the bike - then I think you'd be better off finding a good hydration with lower calories.  

 

Had a good training day yesterday.  3:45 on the bike with 4500+ of climbing (not my speciality)!  Then a 3 miles run averaging 9:07/per mile with my HR around 140.  Very warm here yesterday and I started to feel it on the run.  I biggest issue seems to be keeping my core temp down, not so much hydration, but my body/head starts to feel like I've been in the sun too long.  

Rest day - hubby just left for the west coast to meet with the big-wigs and figure out once and for all if we're packing up.  

Hope everyone had a good weekend racing/training!

kenj - 2013-05-05 6:58 AMI did my long brick yesterday. Mentally a challenge and a long morning, but it was definitely a confidence builder. Just a short run today.I am looking forward to hearing how Bill and Adam's races go. Is anyone else racing today?

skitri - 2013-05-05 6:17 AM

DJ - I think that's an individual choice...I see so many on the TT forum who swear that you don't need extra sodium if you're taking gels, etc... I'm a very heavy sweater so I always take a salt pill /per hour on the long bikes (if it's warm). But if you can tolerate eating on the bike - then I think you'd be better off finding a good hydration with lower calories.  

 

Had a good training day yesterday.  3:45 on the bike with 4500+ of climbing (not my speciality)!  Then a 3 miles run averaging 9:07/per mile with my HR around 140.  Very warm here yesterday and I started to feel it on the run.  I biggest issue seems to be keeping my core temp down, not so much hydration, but my body/head starts to feel like I've been in the sun too long.  

Rest day - hubby just left for the west coast to meet with the big-wigs and figure out once and for all if we're packing up.  

Hope everyone had a good weekend racing/training!

robingray_260 - 2013-05-05 1:31 PM

Of all the obstacles to overcome for this race, the heat is by far the one I worry about most. Maybe because there is no way I can really train for it.  Best I can do is workout indoors with extra clothing.  I am going to try and spend as much time outside when I get to FL as I can - hopefully that will help - plus I really, really need some sun !

Nice BRIC yesterday Ken!

skitri - 2013-05-05 9:17 AM

DJ - I think that's an individual choice...I see so many on the TT forum who swear that you don't need extra sodium if you're taking gels, etc... I'm a very heavy sweater so I always take a salt pill /per hour on the long bikes (if it's warm). But if you can tolerate eating on the bike - then I think you'd be better off finding a good hydration with lower calories.  

 

Had a good training day yesterday.  3:45 on the bike with 4500+ of climbing (not my speciality)!  Then a 3 miles run averaging 9:07/per mile with my HR around 140.  Very warm here yesterday and I started to feel it on the run.  I biggest issue seems to be keeping my core temp down, not so much hydration, but my body/head starts to feel like I've been in the sun too long.  

Rest day - hubby just left for the west coast to meet with the big-wigs and figure out once and for all if we're packing up.  

Hope everyone had a good weekend racing/training!

CarlaLThompson - 2013-05-05 7:35 AM

DJ,

Congrats on your marriage!  Has it been 8 months already???  And I did not know about the "Bearded Dragons"!!!  Yikes!

Q.  What kind of strength training do you do? 

I haven't been able to adopt anything that I actually like enough to do.

Q.  Bike stuff:  Do you ride a Standard or Compact Crank?

Q.  How can I get faster!!!! 

~Carla