Schmize's Group - FULL (Page 3)

Sarah - this is a great question, and unfortunately not a black and white answer is available.  I have done some research on it b/c I have super low blood pressure.  I have even fainted a couple of times after lying down and getting up too quickly (Vaso Vagal syndrome or something like that).  Doctors told me to get more sodium.  So, I drink V8, etc. and that keeps my blood pressure in check and no instances of fainting.  Now, too much sodium can cause high blood pressue.  Therefore people with high blood pressure have to be careful.   So, for every day diet, its very individual.  I think my doctor told me to get around 2000-3000mg per day after I fainted.  Some people say you are able to tell if you feel bloaded that you probably have too much sodium, but I can't tell.  And the more water you drink, the more sodium you body can handle.  Its tough.

On the other hand, during a race or training, the general rule of thumb is that you lose about 220mg of sodium per 8 oz you drink.  I have attached a calculator that will help all of you decide on how to hydrate and get the nutrition you need during training and racing.  Again, rules of thumbs, but they have validity to them.

So, now it really is go time.  Many of us have a good base to the season and we need to continue working on that base, setting goals and working to meet those goals.

I am working on my run and will continue to concentrate on it until my 1/2 marathon in March.  Then, it will be mostly biking.  Of course, I will be getting in 1 to 2 bikes and 1 to 2 swims in per week for maintenence.  Will be working on form in all three aspects, as well as doing my strength workouts twice a week.  Mainly about 6-8 hours per week for this month.

Does anyone else have some goals they would like to share for this month.  And/or questions on how to better meet them?  Ideas for improving, etc?

Fire away.  I am coming off a recovery week and have tons of energy.

Great question.  The Brick is a valuable tool for us triathletes.  Some say to just do it as you get closer to a race, however, there are enough of us that believe in the value of doing them more often.  

As far as the bike/run brick, a "transition run" off the bike is good to do, to get your legs used to the transition.  Maybe only 1/2 mile or so.  This won't fatique you either, but will get your muscles used to the transition.   Maybe one ride per week on this.  As you get closer to your race (about 4-6 weeks out), I would also do some all out transitions.  Something like a 15 mile ride and a 3 mile run for a sprint.

The Swim/Bike brick is harder to do b/c of logistics, and to be honest, I never got much out of them.  Its nice to practice a couple of times b/c your body has been horizontal for so long, when you stand up, you will probably be dizzy.  Some things that help is to kick more during the last 100-200m to get the blood into the legs.  I will sometimes go for an OWS and then hop on the bike and do a short ride just for feel.

Not sure what happened to lawlordc, but we may have lost him.

Here are some more tips on getting the most from this site and mentor program.

1 - Keep logging your workouts, as its a good motivator when people leave you Inspires.  Leave other people inspires (good job with this Mikkel and Angelo) - It works.

2 - When replying to an inspire use the "blog" option. That way the response gets put on the inspirees blog. (And you can check out what they've been up to at the same time. )

3 - Try to stay in contact with questions and concerns about plans, injuries, equipment, etc by posting on the forum. That way everyone can read your post and offer suggestions. 

4 - If you haven't already, try to find a plan on BT that suits your needs.

5 - We have a wide spectrum of people in our group. Lets feed off each other and get the most from this forum.

Today's word of advice is to not get too stressed about fitting workouts in. If you're following a plan, keep in mind that it is not written in stone. If you are supposed to do a 1 hr swim and the pool isn't open, switch a day and run instead. If there is absolutely no way to get a workout in, look at doing some core exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, jump roping, etc) for 15 or 20 minutes. Being consistent will be the key to getting the most out of triathlons.

Have a good day everyone!

As I said earlier, I will usually have a question for the week.  Some silly, some serious, some just to get the conversations going.  This week's question:

What is your favorite food to eat/drink that has benefits you while you are training? (if you don't have one, list one that you think you would like)

I will go first.  I like the e-gels b/c of the flavors and nutrients.  And also eat cliff bars on my long rides, but my favorite has to be: Orange flavored Endurox after a long workout.  I shake it up good with ice and its like heaven.

Great tips from Angelo.  The vanilla whey protien is good.  I know many people that mix it up just like he does (w/ bannana/blueberrie/strawberry and milk/ice) for a great recovery drink.  Also, like the idea of preparing the week's meals ahead of time.

Which brings me to another question.  What kind of supplements do you guys/gals take?

I don't take many b/c they are so expensive, but I do take the following:

- Multivitamin
- 1000mg of vitamin C in the morning and in the evening.  I do this for immune system.  
- Glocousimin/Chondritin (not prescribed amt, but one a day)
- Try to put flax seed/oil in some food during the day

I get most of my stuf at Sam's b/c its very inexpensive there.

Have a good week of training.....I will be checking in!

Hey Peeps!  Been pretty busy with work, but will be posting and inspiring soon. 

Sarah - my wife was wondering the same thing, as she just started w/ a trainer last week.  Its crazy how much the biggest loser people lose per week.  Much of it has to do with the fact that they are very over weight.  As they get closer to their goal weight, its a tougher ball game.

Keep up with the logs.

I met Ajotto at a function this weekend.  Great to put a name to the face.

Hey all, hope your training is going well.  Since its still the off season, we should all be building our base and getting ready for the upcoming season.  One thing that I have been concentrating on is form (better form) in all aspects.  Everyone knows how important form is in swimming and should be always working on being more efficient in the pool.  Running form is often over looked.  I have been in the process of making my gait much more efficient over this off season.  I am going to attach a Powerpoint presentation that represents some of the things I am doing.   You will find many different theories on running form, but pretty much ALL of them incorporate:

1) midfoot/forefoot striking (as opposed to heel striking - which is a breaking/slowing effect)
2) high turnover, 90+, whether going slow or fast.  Which also will put the foot more underneath the hip.
3) relaxed form
4) slight lean forward, utilizing gravity to propel forward (instead of upward).

There are many drills to help with the above by using google, etc.  I am sure if you look at your gait there is some free speed there to gain by modifying your form.  Of course, speed workouts will do the same, but all the things that make you more efficient in running also decrease your chance of injuries...

Hey all, hope your training is going well.  Since its still the off season, we should all be building our base and getting ready for the upcoming season.  One thing that I have been concentrating on is form (better form) in all aspects.  Everyone knows how important form is in swimming and should be always working on being more efficient in the pool.  Running form is often over looked.  I have been in the process of making my gait much more efficient over this off season.  You will find many different theories on running form, but pretty much ALL of them incorporate:

1) midfoot/forefoot striking (as opposed to heel striking - which is a breaking/slowing effect)
2) high turnover, 90+, whether going slow or fast.  Which also will put the foot more underneath the hip.
3) relaxed form
4) slight lean forward, utilizing gravity to propel forward (instead of upward).

There are many drills to help with the above by using google, etc.  I am sure if you look at your gait there is some free speed there to gain by modifying your form.  Of course, speed workouts will do the same, but all the things that make you more efficient in running also decrease your chance of injuries...

Since the powerpoint slides I wanted to attach were too large, pm me with your email and i will forward it to you.  Its pretty good.