David Gillen's Group - FULL (Page 3)

Matt has the S150, so he may be able to tell you more about it, but I researched it a little and it looks like a good choice especially if you don't already have a "bike computer" that measures your speed and distance on the bike.  I also have the Polar speed sensor for my bike that I purchased separately from my HRM.   I'm not sure if the speed sensor comes with the S150 or if you have to buy it separately.  

The actual heart rate monitoring features of the S150 should be fine for you and are more advanced that their basic F-series monitors.

I'm happy to give my recommendations, but please take them as just that...suggestions.

David 

Ken,  Thanks for the interest.  My goal for this mentor program is to give you personalized advice, tips, and training guidance to help you achieve your goals.   You sound like you have some good success in the past especially with running! (50K wow!), and are now looking to "take the next step" up in triathlon. 

The main difference in this mentor program and BT in general is the personalized part.  The forums are more for general advice or answer to specific questions.  This mentoring program is meant to be catered to you.  I'll watch your training logs frequently and give you any advice and tips that I think will help.  I can also help you create a periodization plan that will focus you on a few key races that you want to peak for. Plus, since you're in the Metroplex, it could be fun to train together sometime.   

As I've stated before here, I'm not the best swimmer, but I get by and can give you some advice.  But please don't expect me to be your swim coach.   

Your experience thus far sounds much like mine 2 years ago.  I did the 2005 Metroplex sprint as my 2nd tri ever, and then after a couple of more, I did Praireman 2005 as my first HIM.   In short, I think I, and this group, can help you out.

Please let us know if you want to join,

David 

Dave,

Thanks, count me in.  On top of the races I mentioned I also am considering the Hotter 'n Hell 100 and the 50K I ran last year since I was injured, I want to try and break 6hrs.  I am definately looking for someone to give more feedback so the Mentor program would definately help as I feel like I have kind of plateaud and need to push though.  Right now my training is all minute based.  I will go to the pool and swim X minutes or run X minutes more out of a lack of time/family commitments.  I don't have time to drive and find hills to bike/run.  I pretty much always run/bike/swim in the same locaton just vary the time based on the 20 week oly swim based training plan.  I have adjusted it some to fit my schedule though.  I actually only work out 5 days a week and do 7 workouts a week (2 2 adays) and will sometimes throw in a quick run after a bike (unscheduled).

Thanks for the help.

All right team,  we're set.  I've closed the group as we've got 10:

User Name            First Name     Next or key race
PocketRocket          Mike                London Duathlon Sept 07
armydad                 Dave              First sprint in fall around DFW area
JBrashear               Jonathan        First OLY on Memorial Day
Timo                       Tim                 OLY in July and HIM in Sept
kp41                       Kevin             1st tri this weekend
kevdia                     Kevin             First sprint in Sept.
Miler                        Matt              IM Wisconsin in Sept.
phoenixrising404    Pene             1st outdoor sprint on June 10
hatch7508              Ed                  First sprint
kproudfoot              Ken               First outdoor tri on Memorial Day

Thank you all for picking my group.  I'm really excited this opportunity to help you achieve your goals.  I love triathlon and endurance sports in general and to be able to share my experiences in this manner is great.

As you can see, we have a pretty diverse group which I think could benefit us all.   You'll probably end up learning as much, if not more, from each other as you do from me.   Some of you are more advanced than others, but please don't be afraid to post any question or comment to the group.  If you really rather discuss something privately, please don't hesitate to PM me.  But, let's try to keep using this thread as much as possible. 

Also, please start logging your training here on BT so I can monitor it and make comments/suggestions/tips.  Periodically, I'll post some general information to the thread that I think everyone will benefit from, such as heart rate training info or general nutrition/hydration advice.  However, I want everyone to continue to ask specific questions about their individual training because that's what this program is about.

Finally, please feel free give me any feedback or advice on how I can make this program more beneficial to you. 

Thanks, 

David 

Group open water swims are an excellent idea as they'll do a lot to prepare you mentally and physically for the race day swim start.  I did about 4 of these before my first tri, and they were invaluable.  On your first couple of swims with a group, you'll naturally try to avoid swimming next to people which is fine.  But as soon as you gain a little confidence, try to purposely swim close to other people and maybe even bump into them a tad just to get a feel for what its like.   Because this bumping and touching will inevitably occur at your swim start. 

Just keep posting like you have been.  Like you said, we're all here to support and learn from each other.  We all have something to share.

Great, and thank you for mentioning the Forerunner.  Garmin's products are great, and while I've heard their heart rate monitor capabilities are a little lacking when compared to Polar, they make great speed and distance monitors and the ability to record a route of your workout and plot it on an on-line map is SUPER COOL!  

All right Mike, That's enough about the 301!  You're making me jealous!   I'd really love to have one of those bad boys or the newer 305. 

Seriously though, Mike's right.  I don't know the exact "street prices", but I think the 301 can be had for about ~$120 and the 305 for around $200 these days.   You won't find a better deal that allows you to monitor your speed, distance, and heart rate on the bike AND run AND download all this info including maps with elevation to your computer.  It's a tri geek's dream machine!  DROOL...